RTD customers can celebrate responsibly with Zero Fare for New Year’s Eve

Through a partnership with Molson Coors, all RTD services will be provided at no cost to customers; customers urged to plan ahead and view final departure times from downtown Denver

DENVER (Dec. 31, 2025) –– For the 17th year, the Regional Transportation District (RTD) is partnering with Molson Coors to provide Zero Fare for New Year’s Eve, a program that encourages Denver metro area residents and visitors to welcome the new year responsibly. All RTD bus and rail routes – as well as Access-a-Ride, Access-on-Demand, and FlexRide services – will be provided at no cost to customers from 7 p.m., tonight, through 7 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 1.

“Ring in the new year without worrying about how you will get home,” General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson said. “Thanks to RTD’s continued partnership with Molson Coors, the entire transit system will be fare-free on New Year's Eve, so customers can focus on celebrating safely. Let us handle the driving while you enjoy the evening. The agency’s dedicated team will be there to take you wherever you need to go."

“To ensure that those celebrating in Denver have a reliable ride, we are excited to activate the Free Rides program once again across the U.S. this New Year’s Eve,” said Molson Coors Community Affairs Manager Alison Hanrahan. “In collaboration with RTD, we are looking forward to fostering community and fellowship as we ring in the New Year.”

Since Molson Coors began its Free Rides program in 1988, the initiative is approaching 10 million free rides provided across the country, including over 440,000 rides in 2024. In addition to Denver, the program is being offered this year in partnership with local transit agencies in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Milwaukee, Phoenix and Washington D.C.

RTD customers are encouraged to use RTD’s Next Ride app to plan travel on New Year’s Eve and review schedules to see available bus routes and rail lines to their destinations. However, the extra bus and rail service that will operate beyond the regular weekday schedule will not be available in Next Ride (schedules, trip planner) and these trips will not be trackable in real time on New Year's Eve.

To view added departures to accommodate customers for New Year’s Eve travel, customers should view Service Alerts in Next Ride and click on a rail line or bus route to view any extra service for the night. The agency added departures for New Year's Eve travel outside of the regular weekday schedule to help customers make safe connections. Information about added rail departures on New Year’s Eve may also be found on RTD’s home page at rtd-denver.com.

The City and County of Denver is hosting two fireworks shows on 16th Street, at 9 p.m. and midnight, that will affect RTD operations. The 16th St. FreeRide will operate a normal schedule on New Year’s Eve as crowds allow but will pause service, during both fireworks shows.

Customers should visit Service Alerts in Next Ride to view additional departures outside of regular weekday service for the bus routes and train lines. Departures may be found in the Next Ride app under “Alerts” or customers may visit Service Alerts.

Final trains from Denver Union Station:

  • A Line: 1:00 a.m.
  • B Line: 1:09 a.m.
  • D Line: 12:48 a.m.
  • E Line: 12:55 a.m.
  • G Line: 1:01 a.m.
  • N Line: 1:26 a.m.
  • W Line: 12:56 a.m.

Final bus departures from downtown Denver:

  • 16th Street FreeRide:
    • Final departure from Union Station at 12:52 a.m.
    • Final departure from Civic Center Station at 1:20 a.m.
    • Paused service may occur approximately 7 p.m.-1:30 a.m. due to the fireworks displays
  • Route 83L: Departs Civic Center Station Gate 5 at 1:10 a.m., after which the station will close
  • Route 15: Departs Union Station at 12:14 a.m. with the Union Station Bus Concourse closing at 12:45 a.m.

Seasonal Holiday Train New Year’s Eve route adjustment

RTD is operating a special Holiday Train (S Line) between I-25-Broadway and 30th-Downing stations from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily with service running every 15 minutes. On New Year’s Eve, the S Line will operate only between I-25-Broadway and Theatre District-Convention Center due to the fireworks shows. This special service will be paused in the Downtown Loop and up to Welton St. during both shows. The last S Line train will offer an additional departure from the Theatre District-Convention Center Station at 12:02 a.m. RTD is offering the special holiday service for added convenience and to help customers make reliable connections for holiday activities, commuting and events through Jan. 3.

New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, RTD services will operate on a holiday schedule and fare collection will resume at 7 a.m.

During this festive time, RTD appreciates its customers being mindful of the Respect the Ride code of conduct and being kind to the agency’s operators and customers for a welcoming transit environment.

RTD in partnership with Molson Coors wish the community a safe and happy New Year’s Eve.

Written by Tara Broghammer