Project Overview

In response to feedback from customers that fares are expensive and difficult to understand, RTD launched a Systemwide Fare Study and Equity Analysis. The study is reexamining the fare system holistically, with the objective of creating a fare structure that is more equitable, affordable and simple.

After more than a year of engagement with customers and stakeholders, RTD is recommending a new fare structure, changes to existing discount and pass programs as well as the introduction of new programs. The recommendation will be available for public comment in spring 2023 and will be presented to the RTD Board of Directors in July 2023. If approved, the recommended changes would be implemented in 2024.

Study Goals

The goals of the study address three foundational aspects of the RTD fare system:

Equity

  • Support transit reliant/financially burdened customers

  • Provide equitable and fair access to fares, products, and discounts regardless of race, color, national origin, income status, and for other marginalized status

Affordability

  • Align fares with the value of the service received

Simplicity

  • Make fares easy to understand, with standardized discounts and streamlined fare payment option

These goals have guided the development and evaluation of the fare alternatives and recommendations and will be used to determine success.

LEARN MORE AND GET INVOLVED

To date, RTD has engaged with thousands of customers and community members and performed extensive financial and operational modeling, as well as a study on how fare structure changes would impact minority and financially burdened customers. Using the feedback and data gathered, the project team has developed a recommended fare structure, policies and programs.

The recommended fare structure, policies and programs are available for review and comment through May 22.

Explore the Recommendation

Visit the Fare Feedback website to explore the recommended fare structure, policies and programs and learn how they will impact you as a current or future RTD customer.

Learn More

Join us

Virtual Public Hearings

Attend the public hearing to see a presentation of recommended changes and to share your opinion about the changes through a written or spoken comment.

In-Person Open House

Drop in to the open house where you can speak with members of the RTD team to learn more about the recommended changes. You will have the opportunity to submit a written public comment.

Information and materials will be provided in both English and Spanish. Additional interpretation services or other accommodations are available upon request.

  • In-Person Open House – May 11, 2023 | 5:00-7:00 PM MST at the Amenities Center at LoDo Towers (1401 17th St., Denver, CO 80202
  • In-Person Open House – May 17, 2023 | 5:00-7:00 PM MST at Carla Madison Rec Center's Rooftop, 2401 E Colfax Ave., Denver

Registration before the event is encouraged but not required unless accommodations or interpretation are requested. If requesting accommodations or interpretation, please RSVP one week prior to the event. Light snacks will be provided.

These locations are conveniently located near public transit. Plan your trip on RTD.

You can also learn more about the Fare Study and Equity Analysis at one of the upcoming pop-up events in the community:
  • May 3, 7 – 8:30 am at US36/Sheridan Station, 5025 W 88th Pl, Westminster

Community Events

Come see us at a community event near you!

You can also learn more about the Fare Study and Equity Analysis at one of the upcoming pop-up events in the community:

  • April 25, 2023 – 7:00-8:30 am at 10203 Station Way, Lone Tree
  • April 26, 2023 – 7:00-8:30 am at 8800 E Caley Ave, Greenwood Village
  • May 2, 2023 – 7:00-8:30 am at 8200 Smith Rd, Denver
  • May 4, 2023 – 4:00-6:00 pm at 1701 Wynkoop St, Denver
  • May 9, 2023 – 7:00-8:30 am at 5777 S Prince St, Littleton
  • May 11, 2023 – 7:00 – 8:30 am at 600 W 120th Ave, Westminster
  • May 23, 2023 – 7:00 – 8:30 am at 5575 Vance St, Arvada
  • May 24, 2023 – 7:00 – 8:30 am at 11601 W 2nd Pl, Lakewood

View these and other events where you can learn more about the fare study recommendations on the Fare Feedback website.

Join Us

Share Your Opinion

Share your thoughts about the recommended fare structure, policies, programs and fare equity by submitting a public comment on the Fare Feedback website. The recommendation will be available for public comment until May 22.

Share Your Opinion

PREVIOUS CUSTOMER AND COMMUNITY Engagement

In the first three phases of the study, RTD engaged with customers and community members through virtual meetings in English and Spanish, focus groups, and online surveys. In addition, three feedback panels used customer and community feedback to inform fare structure, policies and programs. See the previous feedback that has informed the current recommendation below.

Previous Customer and Community Meetings

Previous Community Partner Focus Groups

Previous Community Surveys

Previous Community-Based Organization Survey

Previous Feedback Panels

Engagement Milestones

Four Phases of Customer and Community Engagement

ENGAGEMENT #1 - FEEDBACK ON CURRENT FARE STRUCTURE, SPRING 2022

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  • Identify challenges with current fare system
  • Receive input on fare structure preferences

ENGAGEMENT #2 - CONCEPTUAL OPTIONS, SUMMER 2022

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  • Inform community members and stakeholders about tradeoffs considered when evaluating alternatives
  • Share conceptual options for initial feedback

ENGAGEMENT #3 - FARE ALTERNATIVES, FALL 2022

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  • Evaluate and identify trade-offs between alternatives

ENGAGEMENT #4 - PUBLIC COMMENT AND HEARINGS, SPRING 2023

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  • Share recommended fare structure
  • Gather public comment

Effective Communications

RTD will take steps to ensure that communication with members of the public with disabilities is effective throughout the study. Persons who require materials in alternative formats, need sign language interpretation, or require other communication consideration for participation, please contact RTD’s ADA Manager at [email protected]. Please provide three business day notice for services to be arranged.