RTD offering the ability to pay cash for stored value on MyRide to improve fare payment accessibility
DENVER (Dec. 12, 2025) ––The Regional Transportation District (RTD) is offering customers the option to pay cash for stored value on the agency’s MyRide platform to make electronic fare payments from their MyRideaccount or physical MyRide card. Powered by VanillaDirect, the new payment option improves accessibility for customers to load stored value by paying cash at RTD sales outlets and participating retail outlets, including 7-Eleven, CVS, King Soopers, and Walgreens across the Denver metro area. Customers can use the stored cash value for fare payments by tapping or scanning their MyRide card or mobile barcode on any validator. They can also use the stored value to purchase mobile tickets in the MyRide app or online. Customers who load stored value by using a credit or debit card will still be able to do so.
RTD added the ability to make cash payments for stored value on the MyRide platform to increase payment accessibility without customers needing a bank card, or who prefer to pay with cash, and to increase access to fare capping. Cash payments that are digitized into stored value reduce the reliance on physical tickets, increase the speed of boarding, and enhance RTD vehicle security by decreasing onboard cash handling.
Obtaining new MyRide cards for VanillaDirect
Customers who use a MyRide card rather than the MyRide app can visit an RTD sales outlet and request a VanillaDirect MyRide card which includes a VanillaDirect barcode that enables cash loading at participating retailers. Cards can also be ordered through the RTD Online Store. The card works identically to the MyRide card, with the added convenience of being able to add stored value onto the card with cash. Customers also can elect to register their VanillaDirect MyRide card online or in the MyRide app to receive balance protection in case the card is lost or stolen, be able to track purchases and travel, manage funds and discounts either online or in the MyRide app. Customers who load stored value with cash at the RTD sales outlets can continue to use their current MyRide card.
MyRide app
Customers who use the MyRide app rather than a card can scan their MyRide QR code on a validator to ride rail and bus services, manage their balance, view their trip history, or purchase mobile tickets or monthly passes from oneapp. The new “Pay with Cash” barcode in the MyRide app enables customers to load stored value into the app with cash at participating VanillaDirect retailers.
Fare collection modernization
This newest digitized cash offering for the MyRide platform from VanillaDirect is just another way RTD is modernizing its fare collection in 2025. On Nov. 25, RTD launched the Tap-n-Ride payment option that gives customers a convenient and secure way to pay fare using a Visa or Mastercard bank card or mobile wallet at any bus or rail validator.
Accessibility review
Prior to adding the stored cash value to customers’ MyRide payment options, RTD analyzed feedback from a 2024 Onboard Survey, and found that a small percentage of respondents – 6% to 8% – reported they did not have a bank card. The most popular fare choices among these individuals were 3-Hour Passes and Day Passes purchased with cash on board a bus, demonstrating the continued reliance on cash purchases for a small percentage of customers. Of the remaining respondents without a card to make purchases, about 3% to 5% are exempt from paying an RTD fare, such as Zero Fare for Youth program participants, or are part of an RTD pass program where customers use their smartphone or a MyRide card provided to them.
More information
For more information about using the new digitized cash options, visit the MyRide page and scroll to the MyRide and VanillaDirect FAQs. Customers may also contact RTD Customer Care at 303.299.6000 or Contact RTD Online.