RTD EcoPass sales rise as more customers take transit to work again
EcoPass participation reaches 75% of pre-pandemic level as more employers provide the benefit to employees
RTD’s EcoPass, which offers unlimited rides on RTD’s fixed-route services, is seeing program participation approach 75% of its pre-pandemic level. More companies are offering the pass as a perk to provide employees with convenient commuting options and lower travel and parking costs.
The prepaid EcoPass allows customers whose employers participate in the program to use the pass when traveling on RTD services anywhere throughout the district.
Prior to 2020, over 800 organizations participated in RTD’s EcoPass program. The agency experienced a significant drop in participation during the pandemic, but in recent years, more companies are enrolling in the program as an employee benefit. In 2023, 491 employers offered the pass. That number grew to 546 in 2024, and to date in 2025, almost 600 employers are providing the EcoPass benefit to employees.
In recent customer and community survey results, RTD customers reported “getting to work” as the number one reason for using the agency’s transit services. Many businesses that provide the EcoPass to employees tend to be located near an RTD stop or station, such as organizations in downtown Denver.
EcoPass is more accessible than ever
Since the pandemic’s shift on in-office work schedules and commuting patterns, the agency has updated its EcoPass program to make it more accessible, affordable and convenient for employers.
Updated program options include lowering the minimum cost requirement to appeal to smaller organizations located in the agency’s district.
Physical or electronic pass availability
Customers enrolled in the EcoPass program have the option of using a physical EcoPass card or a QR code from the RTD MyRide app. The MyRide app option enables organizations to provide immediate access to employees’ ability to use the EcoPass and allows employers to more conveniently administer the benefit. Employers can elect whether to provide the benefit to only full-time employees or include part-time employees as well. They can also exclude employees who work fully remote.
Transportation tax credit
RTD promotes the availability of employers being able to take advantage of Colorado’s alternative transportation credit, which subsidizes the cost for employers who offer the EcoPass benefit to employees. Some employers defray the cost by paying up to half of the program to create a more affordable solution for both the organization and its employees.
The EcoPass program’s growth in 2025 accounts for about four or five organizations joining the program monthly. Increased participation brings another 300-700 new customers a month who use RTD services for traveling to work.
RTD has offered the EcoPass program for almost 35 years. To learn more visit here.
Other pass programs
The agency also offers a variety of other pass programs for convenient, affordable and accessible transit, including the CollegePass and SemesterPass for students attending a participating school. The Neighborhood EcoPass is available for HOA organizations and neighborhood communities to connect to services across RTD’s district.
For more information about transit pass options, RTD’s Market Development team may be reached at 303.299.2132 or visit rtd-denver.com/fares-passes/pass-programs.