Zero Fare for Youth
Youth 19 and under ride at no cost September ’23 – August ’24!
*Proof of eligibility required. Click here to learn more.
2020 and 2021 10-Ride & Access-a-Ride Ticket Book Use Extension
Customers can now use 2020 and 2021 10-Ride & Access-a-Ride Ticket Books through the end of 2023. No exchanges required.
Discounted Fare Programs
The following discounted fare eligibility requirements take effect January 1, 2019 as part of the new RTD 2019 Fares changes.
The Youth Special Discount Card (SDC) is one method of verification to receive the 70 percent fare discount for youth ages 6-19 on all regular bus and train service. If the passenger has a current middle or high school ID, or government-issued photo ID showing the passenger’s age, then the Youth SDC is not required. The youth discount is not offered on Access-a-Ride service. Youth must provide proof of eligibility when using discounted fare products when boarding a bus and when asked by a fare inspector. See eligibility requirements below.
The Senior Special Discount Card (SDC) provides a 50 percent fare discount for people ages 65+ on all regular bus and train service. The senior discount is not offered on Access-a-Ride service. Seniors must present a photo ID showing passenger’s age, Medicare card, or RTD-issued Special Discount Card. Individuals with disabilities must present a Medicare card or RTD-issued Special Discount Card as proof of eligibility for the discounted fare when boarding a bus or train. See eligibility requirements below.
The Individuals with Disabilities Special Discount Card (SDC) provides a 50 percent fare discount for individuals with disabilities on all regular bus and train service. The individuals with disabilities discount is not offered on Access-a-Ride service. Individuals with disabilities must present a Medicare card or RTD-issued Special Discount Card as proof of eligibility for the discounted fare when boarding a bus or train. See eligibility requirements below.
The LiVE Income-Based Fare Discount Program provides a 40 percent fare discount for individuals when enrolled in the program. Participants qualify if they are between the ages of 20 and 64, live within the RTD service area, and have a household income at or below 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. LiVE applications are processed through PEAK, the state's public benefits website. See eligibility requirements.
Applications are available in the How to Apply section.
Additional Discount Fare Information
U.S. military ride for free
Active duty members of the U.S. military currently ride for free on all RTD services. See conditions.
Personal Attendants, Aides, and Trainers
Personal attendants, aides, and trainers accompanying passengers who have a disability are permitted to ride for free.
Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Cards Replacement
To replace a lost or stolen Special Discount Card email your request to [email protected]. There is no fee for replacement cards at this time.
Airport/SkyRide
Airport/SkyRide 3-Hour Passes discounted fare is $5.25* regardless of where you board a SkyRide bus or A Line train with an airport destination/departure.
Airport/SkyRide 3-Hour Passes discounted youth fare is $3.20** regardless of where you board a SkyRide bus or A Line rail train with an airport destination/departure.
Discount Bus and Train Fares
Youth (Ages 6-19)
| Local & Limited 1-2 Rail Fare Zones |
Regional 3 Rail Fare Zones |
Airport Airport Fare Zone |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Hour Pass | $0.90 | $1.60 | $3.20 |
| DayPass | $1.80 | $3.20 | included in Regional/Airport Day Pass |
| MyRide 3 Hour |
$0.90 | $1.60 | $3.20 |
| 10-Ride Ticket Book |
$9.00 | $16.00 | travel to DIA requires an upgrade |
| Monthly Pass |
$34.20 |
$60.00 | included in Regional/Airport Monthly Pass |
Age 65+ &/or Disabilities
| Local & Limited 1-2 Rail Fare Zones |
Regional 3 Rail Fare Zones |
Airport Airport Fare Zone |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Hour Pass | $1.50* | $2.60* | $5.25* |
| DayPass | $3.00* | $5.25* | included in Regional/Airport Day Pass |
| MyRide 3 Hour |
$1.50* | $2.50* | $5.25* |
| 10-Ride Ticket Book |
$14* | $25.25* | travel to DIA requires an upgrade |
| Monthly Pass |
$57* |
$99* | included in Regional/Airport Monthly Pass |
* Discount fares apply to seniors 65+, individuals with disabilities, and Medicare recipients.
LiVE Fare Products
Ages 20-64
| Local | Regional | Airport | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Hour Pass MyRide Smart Card |
$1.80 | $3.15 | $6.30 |
| 3-Hour Pass RTD Mobile Tickets app |
$1.80 | $3.15 | Upgrade required |
| Local | Regional/Airport | |
|---|---|---|
| Day Pass RTD Mobile Tickets app |
$3.60 | $6.30 |
LiVE is available as a MyRide Card or on the RTD Mobile Tickets app.
Proof of Eligibility Requirements for New, Expired, or Renewal Cards
In order to be eligible for an SDC, you must provide proof of eligibility. Please review the following requirements before applying:
Youth
- Birth certificate or passport
- Valid state-issued identification card or driver's license
- Alien registration/permanent resident card
- Military identification/dependent card with date of birth
- Middle or high school student identification card
Senior
- Birth certificate or passport
- Valid state-issued identification card or driver's license
- Alien registration/permanent resident card
- Military identification/dependent card with date of birth
- Medical benefit card with date of birth
Individuals with Disabilities
- Medicare validation: Applicant must submit a copy of their Medicare card. Medicaid card will not be accepted
- Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income: Applicant must provide printout of their Social Security Benefits statement with the words "disabled individual" dated within the last year.
- Disabled Veterans Validation: Applicant has a service-connected disability and must submit a copy of a benefit letter from the Veterans Administration (VA). The letter must state disability is over 50% service connected and dated within the last year.
- Health Care Provider's Statement: Application must be completed by an M.D., D.O., N.P., or P.A. ONLY. Must be signed and dated within the last three months (90 days). Health Care Provider's Statement is found in the Individuals with Disabilities Special Discount Card application.
No other proof of disability will be accepted.
How To Apply
Email or Mail
Please ensure every step is followed before submitting your application. If items are missing then your pass will not be mailed to you. Passes will be mailed to the address specified on the application within 15 business days from the date the application is received. Please do not email requesting status of your pass if it has been less than 15 business days.
The following items below should be included in one packet that is to be sent via postal mail or emailed:
- A current full-face photo with no hats or sunglasses on a neutral background
- Completed Special Discount Application with required signatures
- Copy of one approved “Age Verification” documents listed on the application
Photos will not be taken on the following days: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
RTD will accept a valid government-issued photo ID card (driver's license, non-driver's ID or passport). Photocopies of I.D. cards and other forms of non-government photo identification will not be accepted.
Upon approval of your eligibility, you will be issued an SDC, which will entitle you to use any bus or train service by paying a reduced-cash fare, purchasing a 3-Hour pass, a Day or Monthly pass, or 10-Ride Ticket Books at a discounted rate that are available for sale on at sales outlets, online, and from ticket vending machines at train stations.
Options to Apply for the Special Discount Card
Email this information to: [email protected]
You may also mail a physical copy of this packet to:
RTD Special Discount1660 Blake Street - BLK-12
Denver, CO 80202
