In this busy world, we all have places to go and things to do. That's why RTD provides a variety of transportation services to meet the needs of our customers throughout metro area - including access-a-Ride service.

What is access-a-Ride?

access-a-Ride provides transportation to passengers with disabilities who are unable to use RTD's regular lift-equipped fixed route bus service and who qualify for certification under the eligibility guidelines established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.

RTD Paratransit Services, access-a-Ride, provides public transportation to riders who have a disability that prevents them from making some or all of their trips on fixed route buses. This service is sometimes called "ADA Paratransit Service" because it is provided as part of our efforts to meet the requirements of the ADA.

Who is eligible for access-a-Ride service?
The access-a-Ride program is open to persons with disabilities under the following conditions:

1. An individual requires a lift-equipped bus and the bus they need does not have a lift.
2. An individual is unable to independently get to and from a bus stop or cannot get on and off the bus.
3. An individual is unable to understand how to complete bus trips.

Architecture barriers not under the control of RTD and environmental barriers (e.g. distance, terrain, weather) do not alone form a basis for eligibility. However, the interaction of such barriers with an individual's specific impairment-related condition may form a basis for eligibility.

How do you qualify for access-a-Ride service?
The certification process requires a functional evaluation and a physician's statement for verification. There is no certification fee. To find out more about access-a-Ride, or for an eligibility application, please call 303-299-2960 (TDD 303-299-2980) Monday-Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm.

If you qualify for access-a-Ride, you will receive a photo ID card that must be shown to the driver each time you board. You will also receive a User's Guide explaining how the program works, including information on making and confirming reservations, types of service, escorts, trip cancellations and more.

Where can you go on access-a-Ride?
You can use access-a-Ride to travel within Arapahoe, Adams, Denver, Boulder, Broomfield, Douglas and Jefferson counties as long as the same trip could have been made on the regular RTD fixed-route bus system. Your trip must have a starting and ending point within 3/4 mile of an RTD non-commuter fixed route bus service as well as call-n-Ride service areas and you must travel on the same days and during the same hours as the fixed route bus service operates.

What types of services are available?

• Reservation Service: access-a-Ride reservations can be made up to three (3) days in advance. Make your request as early as possible, since access-a-Ride trips are scheduled on a space-available, shared-ride basis.
• Subscription Service: Recurring trips, same days and times, at least three times per week, you may request access-a-Ride subscription service. This allows you to take regular trips without making and confirming reservations each time. Please note that subscription service is very popular and there may be a waiting list.
• Door-to-Door Service: access-a-Ride offers curb-to-curb service with driver assistance at the vehicle or curb. Special door-to-door assistance may be available upon request.

This allows you to take regular trips without making and confirming reservations each time. Please note that subscription service is very popular and there may be a waiting list.

How to replace an access-a-Ride Card
Contact Easter Seals of Colorado by phone at 303-202-9143 or fax 303-233-0927 or TTY 303-232-5685 or by mail at:

Easter Seals of Colorado
access-a-Ride Certification
5755 W. Alameda Avenue
Lakewood, CO 80226

There is a $5.00 replacement fee. Please refer to the access-a-Ride User's Guide for additional information.

Easy Rider
The Easy Rider Program is a free, comprehensive one-on-one travel training program, available in Boulder County. It is designed to teach older adults and people with disabilities how to safely and confidently use public transportation to expand independent travel options. Training techniques are adapted based on an individual's abilities and assist in overcoming any barriers to riding the bus. Call the Easy Rider Program office at 303-447-2848 for more information.