MyRide
It's an app. It's a card. It's a system.RTD's MyRide fare payment system offers more convenience and flexibility than ever before.Features and Improvements
- MyRide Mobile Barcode allows you to scan and ride
- Fare capping ensures you never pay more than you should
- New validators at rail platforms and on buses
- New backend software and systems
- Improved data processing and security
- Updated MyRide transit card
MyRide Tools and Resources
RTD MyRide App
The RTD MyRide app makes riding simple, secure, and convenient. Use the app to scan your MyRide QR code and ride, manage your balance, view trip history, and purchase mobile tickets or Monthly Passes, all in one place.
With the new Pay With Cash barcode in the app, you can now load cash to your MyRide account at participating VanillaDirect retail locations including King Soopers, CVS, Walgreens, and 7-Eleven. Just show your barcode at the register to add funds quickly and securely!
MyRide Card
Prefer a physical card or don’t use the RTD MyRide app? The new MyRide card makes paying fares and loading cash simple and secure. It stores your account details on the backen, just tap at the validator to pay your fare, and never pay more than you should.
With the new VanillaDirectMyRide card, you can easily load cash at participating retailers across the Denver metro area, including King Soopers, CVS, Walgreens, and 7-Eleven. Click here to view the list of participating retailers.
Remember, registering your card with RTD protects your balance and lets you track your trips and account activity. Unregistered cards work the same for travel, but funds stay on that card only.
Validators with scan and tap functionality.
Scan your MyRide Barcode or tap your MyRide Card at the validators for the easiest and fastest way to pay your fare. When you do, the MyRide system automatically caps your fare to ensure you never pay more than you should!
MyRide FAQ
When did the new system launch?
Customers began using the new RTD MyRide system in September 2022 as new validators were being installed across all RTD buses and rail platforms.
What is fare capping?
Fare capping ensures you never pay more than you should on RTD. When you use your MyRide Barcode or MyRide Card, 3-Hour Passes automatically convert to Day and Monthly Passes. Fare capping also applies to individual tokens, so an account holder using their MyRide barcode will accumulate trips separately than those using a MyRide Card connected to the same account. This way, everyone saves!
What if I used the RTD Mobile Tickets App?
No need to install a new app, simply update to get the RTD MyRide app and all the new features!
Do I need a mobile device to manage my new RTD MyRide account?
No, you can also manage your MyRide account online in the MyRide web portal.
Why did RTD change its fare payment system?
RTD’s Fare Modernization Project aims to to offer a better customer experience while improving data processing and security. The new MyRide fare payment system is a technological leap forward for customers and the agency, and replaces RTD’s previous card-based system with a cloud-based system while also providing an upgrade path for integrating additional payment options in the future.
VanillaDirect FAQs
What is VanillaDirect?
VanillaDirect is a payment service that allows you to load cash onto your MyRide account at participating retail locations.
How can I load cash using VanillaDirect?
You can load cash in one of two ways:
- Scan the Pay With Cash barcode from the RTD MyRide app at a participating merchant, or
- Use a new MyRideVanillaDirect card, which has a barcode printed on the back.
Do I need a new MyRide card to use VanillaDirect?
Not if you use the RTD MyRide app. App users can load cash by scanning the Pay With Cash barcode.
Customers who do not use the app and need to load cash on a MyRide card will need the new VanillaDirect MyRide card.
Will my current MyRide card still work?
Yes. Current MyRide cards will continue to work the same as they do today.
What is the benefit of registering my new VanillaDirect MyRide card?
Registering links the card to your MyRide account, giving you:
- Balance protection if your card is lost or stolen
- The ability to track rides and manage funds in the app or online
What happens if I don’t register my new card?
Funds loaded to an unregistered card stay on that card only. The balance is not protected.
How do I know if I need the new VanillaDirect MyRide card?
You need the new card if:
- You don’t use the RTD MyRide app; and
- You want to load cash on your card at participating merchants.
If you use the app you only need the Pay With Cash barcode in the app.
Where can I get the new VanillaDirect MyRide card?
- Starting December 2, 2025, all new MyRide card orders via the RTD Online Store and shipped by mail will automatically be the VanillaDirect version.
- At RTD sales outlets, customers requesting stored value cards will receive the new version.
Does the VanillaDirect MyRide card work the same as the regular MyRide card?
Yes. It works the same for riding, tapping, and storing value—plus it includes a barcode to allow cash loading at VanillaDirect merchants.
Where can I load cash using VanillaDirect?
At any participating VanillaDirect retail merchant. You can view the participating retailers in the MyRide app by clicking “Find a Store”, or by visiting https://pay.vanilladirect.com/pages/locations.
Have other questions? We're here to help!
- Call: 303-299-6000
Language assistance is available at no cost. For Spanish, please press 2. For all other languages, press 8.
- Online Form: Contact Us Online
Zero Fare for Youth
Youth 19 and under ride at no cost on all RTD services
The Zero Fare for Youth pilot is now a permanent program that aims to enhance the lives of RTD customers and communities by reducing transportation costs for families. We will continue to welcome a future generation of transit users to experience all the benefits without a fare.