LiVE Program growth expands affordable transit access
Launched in July 2019, RTD’s LiVE program is an income-based discount initiative that has provided critical support to individuals and families across the Denver metro region by reducing the financial burden of transportation. LiVE offers a 50 percent reduction on fares for eligible participants, covering all RTD services including buses, light rail, commuter rail, Access-on-Demand and Access-a-Ride.
The program has experienced steady growth. According to RTD’s August 2025 Customer and Community Engagement report, LiVE now serves 18,424 active participants, a 26 percent jump from 14,609 participants in August 2024. This growth demonstrates not only the continued demand for affordable public transit but also the effectiveness of recent improvements in the application process.
To qualify, applicants must be aged 20 and older with a gross household income at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level. Applicants are not required to live within the RTD district or provide a Social Security number. Those without a permanent address may use the address of a temporary housing facility or designate RTD itself as a mailing address for card delivery, ensuring that housing insecurity does not create a barrier to participation.
The success of the program is strengthened through collaboration with community partners. Denver Human Services (DHS) administers applications and engages directly with clients to assess the program’s impact. Participants frequently identify the affordability of fares, the variety of RTD services available, and the flexibility of fare options—including cash payment on buses, ticket kiosks and retail sales at grocery stores—as the program’s most valuable features. LiVE also complements other initiatives, such as Senior and Disabled discounts and the Zero Fare for Youth Program, further enhancing accessibility.
"LiVE is a vital program in our community, and we’ve seen a steady increase in applications over the past year," said Jyotsna Khattri, RTD’s Manager of Market Development. "Our team processes and mails more than 2,000 new and replacement cards each month and we’re actively helping community members enroll in the program. We’re also available to meet with clients and community partners to assist with signups or to raise awareness about LiVE.”
Organizations like the Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning play a key role in extending the program’s reach to refugee and immigrant communities. Through navigation assistance and language support, the Institute ensures that underserved populations can access the benefits of LiVE. Client testimonials highlight the program’s tangible impact: one participant from the Burmese community describes LiVE as “life-changing,” citing how it eases the daily challenges she and her children faced. Another, from the Congolese community, emphasizes that without a personal vehicle, RTD services used through LiVE allow her to save money, attend medical appointments, and meet her family’s basic needs.
LiVE not only reduces transportation costs but also supports economic stability, access to essential services, and social inclusion. The continued increase in participation demonstrates the program’s role as a cornerstone of equitable mobility within the region.
Applications remain open through the Colorado State benefits site, PEAK (www.colorado.gov/PEAK), and by phone through DHS at 720-944-4347.For more information on riding with RTD or for language assistance support, please call 303-299-2382 or email [email protected]. Language assistance is available at no cost.