Tap-n-Ride
Tap-n-Ride: A Faster, Easier Way to Pay Your Fare
Introducing Tap-n-Ride, a new and convenient way to pay for your bus or train fares on RTD. Simply tap your contactless credit or debit card, or your mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay), directly on the validator when you board.
No ticket. No reload. Just the best fare every time!
Payment Options
How Tap-n-Ride Works
1. Tap your Visa or Mastercard—physical or in a mobile wallet—on the validator when boarding an RTD bus or at a rail station.
2. Ride as usual. There’s no need to buy a ticket or load balance before riding. Just tap your card or device each time you travel.
3. Get the best fare every time, automatically. RTD’s fare capping ensures you’ll never pay more than the cost of a Day Pass, Airport Day Pass, or Monthly Pass when you use the same card or device.
4. One fare for each card or device. Each customer must tap their own card or mobile device. If you’re paying for another customer, you’ll need to tap a different card or device than the one you used for travel.
Link Your Card for More Benefits
Tap-n-Ride is powered by open payments and introduces a new EMV Token Linking feature that connects your payment method to your RTD MyRide account.
When you link your card, you can:
- View trip history and fare charges online.
- Access discounted fares if you qualify for programs such as LiVE, Senior, or Disabled discounts.
- Easily manage your travel in one place.
To link your card, visit rtd-denver.com/MyRide or contact RTD Customer Care for assistance.
Tap-n-Ride Makes Paying Your Fare Easy
Simple – No tickets, passes, or reloads required.
Smart – Fare capping ensures you always pay the lowest price for your trips.
Fast – Tap, beep, and you’re ready to ride.
Secure – Payments are processed through certified, encrypted systems.
Flexible – Works with Visa and Mastercard credit, debit, or prepaid cards—and mobile wallets.
FAQs
How does it work?
Simply tap your Visa or Mastercard credit, debit, prepaid card, or mobile wallet, directly on the NFC symbol on the validator to pay your fare.
What types of payment are supported?
Customers can pay by tapping a contactless Visa or Mastercard, either a physical card or one stored in a mobile phone or wearable device using Apple Pay, Google Wallet, or Samsung Pay. American Express and Discover will be added to the Tap-n-Ride payment network in 2026.
Where can I use Tap-n-Ride?
Tap-n-Ride is accepted on all RTD buses and trains. It is not available for use on Access-a-Ride, FlexRide, or Access-on-Demand services.
How do I select the fare level?
RTD’s validators are set to the Local fare level except for the rail platform validators on A-Line and SkyRide service at DEN Airport, which are set to Airport fare. If you are traveling to the airport simply press the “Select Fare” button at the base of the rail platform validator. On a bus, you can ask the operator to change the fare level. Customers who already tapped on a validator with a Local fare level will only be charged the difference between Local and Airport fare, if applicable.
How are my fares charged?
Fare charges are aggregated over the RTD service day and submitted as a single charge to your bank at the end of each service day. If the charge attempt is declined your card will incur a debt and will not be accepted as payment for future travel until the debt is cleared. Debt collection attempts occur automatically.
Is fare capping supported?
Yes. Tap-n-Ride supports fare capping, which could be a daily fare cap or a monthly fare cap. You will never pay more than the cost of a Day Pass, Airport Day Pass, or Monthly Pass when using the same physical card, or the same digital card stored in your digital wallet.
Can I use the same card or device to buy other people's fare?
No. Each card or device is treated as a separate fare token, meaning separate fares and fare caps apply. If you want to buy someone else’s fare with Tap-n-Ride, you’ll need to use a different physical card or device. A card stored digitally in a mobile wallet is considered a different card from the physical version.
Can I switch between cards or devices during travel?
It's best not to. Each card or device is treated as a separate fare token, meaning separate fares and fare caps apply.
How is my fare checked?
Present the card or device used for travel to an RTD Fare Inspector when asked and your fare payment will be securely confirmed.
Can I link a credit or debit card to my MyRide account?
Yes. If you link your card or mobile wallet device to your MyRide account and pay with Tap-n-Ride, you will be able to see your tap and payment history and add a discount, if you are eligible.Cards can be linked directly in the MyRide app or web portal. RTD Customer Care can assist with linking a mobile wallet to your MyRide account.
How do I apply a Discount Fare to my card or device?
Cards and devices used for the first time on the RTD system are charged Standard Fare. After first use, customers eligible for Discount Fare can call RTD Customer Care (303.299.6000) for assistance adding the discount and adjusting a previously charged Standard Fare, if applicable. Discounts can also be added by linking the payment card or device to an RTD MyRide account. Cards can be linked directly in the MyRide app or web portal. RTD Customer Care can assist with linking a mobile wallet device to your MyRide account.
Note: Discount Fares apply to seniors 65+, individuals with disabilities, Medicare recipients, and customers enrolled in LiVE.
I am a tourist or infrequent RTD customer wishing to pay a Discount Fare for which I am eligible. How should I pay?
For infrequent or one-time customers wishing to pay a Discount Fare for which they are eligible, it would be easier to purchase Discount Fare mobile tickets in the RTD MyRide, Uber, or Transit app, buy tickets at a ticket vending machine, or pay cash on the bus. Payment cards and devices used for the first time on the RTD system are charged Standard Fare. Additional action is required to enable a discounted fare after first use (see above).
Can I still use my MyRide card or mobile barcode?
Yes. You can continue to use your MyRide card or app as usual. Tap-n-Ride is an additional option available to pay fares.
Is my card information stored by RTD?
No. RTD does not store your full card number. Instead, a secure token is used for processing payments.
What happens if I remove and re-add a card to my digital wallet?
A new digital token is generated, which is treated as a different card for fare payment and fare capping.
