RTD accepting applications for Transit Assistance Grant program starting Dec. 8
For the third consecutive year, organizations and government agencies can apply for grant assistance through RTD
DENVER (Dec. 5, 2025) –– The Regional Transportation District (RTD) is seeking applications from organizations and government agencies that serve clients with immediate transit needs for a Transit Assistance Grant (TAG) in 2026. Eligible organizations can submit applications from Dec. 8, 2025, to Jan. 5, 2026. The program will assist qualified organizations that serve clients with immediate needs by providing grants in the form of RTD fares. RTD has set aside $1 million for the TAG program to offer RTD fares at no cost to grant recipients who must distribute fare payment media at no cost to their clients or constituents.
RTD is continuing the TAG program following the successes of its second year in which the agency awarded 149 area organizations with no-cost fare media for distribution to their clients and constituents. RTD initiated the grant program following recommendations from the 2023 Systemwide Fare Study and Equity Analysis.
TAG is meant to fill the temporary gap for customers who have urgent transportation-related needs and to provide organizations that serve these customers with time to educate and enroll clients in LiVE, RTD’s income-based fare discount program for eligible customers.
“RTD’s Transit Assistance Grant program provides critical assistance to meet urgent needs within the communities served by the agency,” said Debra A. Johnson, RTD’s General Manager and CEO. “Public transit is the great societal equalizer. For the third year in a row, RTD will engage in partnerships with organizations that serve those with immediate transit needs and that directly impact the overall well-being of the region.”
“We are pleased to be able to once again offer this grant program to eligible organizations that serve those with immediate transit needs,” added RTD Senior Manager of Marketing Steven Brier. “We have heard from many of the nonprofit organizations that there’s a great need in our community for no-cost fares that serve these individuals, including those who are awaiting enrollment in the agency’s LiVE program. This last year alone the TAG program helped more than 37,000 people with transit needs.”
Informational webinar available Dec. 17
Organizations and agencies that are interested in learning more about the TAG program or are seeking assistance in the application process may attend the Application Support Webinar from 1 to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17. Participants can register for the webinar here.
Eligibility requirements
To be considered for TAG funding, an agency or organization must be designated as a nonprofit exempt from federal income tax under I.R.S. § 501(c)(3), and/or be a governmental community/social service agency and provide assistance to clients with immediate transportation needs, including:
- Individuals applying for LiVE: A stopgap for individuals who are applying or have applied for the RTD LiVE Program. This may include individuals who use RTD’s transit services to access training programs and employment services, short-term training programs and employment services, emergency mental health or medical appointments, and/or other emergency essential situations.
- Crisis Intervention: Transporting individuals in crisis situations, such as domestic violence victims seeking shelter, to safe and supportive environments.
- Unhoused Support: Offering transportation solutions to help individuals experiencing homelessness to access shelters, social services, or employment opportunities.
- Emergency Support: Individuals experiencing a crisis or a situation that threatens their personal safety or a chronic condition, but a time-bound emergent situation.
For additional details, visit the Transit Assistance Grant page on RTD’s website.
Selection criteria
A panel comprised of RTD staff will determine grant recipient selection based on clear and transparent evaluation criteria, including whether an organization:
- Has a nonprofit status, a partnership with a fiscal agent that has nonprofit status or is a government agency
- Serves immediate-needs clients as outlined in the grant description
- Agrees to participate in a mandatory annual eligibility and documentation process that ensures recipients meet the program criteria
How to apply
For complete information about eligibility requirements and how to apply for the program, visit the Transit Assistance Grant webpage or email RTD with questions. Organizations may also submit an application directly through this link. Applicants are encouraged to attend the informational webinar offered Dec. 17.