MyRide
It's an app. It's a card. It's a system.RTD's MyRide fare payment system offers more convenience and flexibility than ever before.RTD MyRide App
The RTD MyRide app makes riding simple, secure, and convenient. You can use the MyRide barcode to scan and ride, manage your balance, view trip history, and purchase mobile tickets all in one place.
With the new Pay With Cash barcode in the app, you can now load cash to your MyRide account at participating VanillaDirect retail locations including King Soopers, CVS, Walgreens, and 7-Eleven. Just show your barcode at the register to add funds quickly and securely!
Features and Improvements
- Scan and ride with the MyRide barcode
- Purchase tickets ahead of time
- Fare capping ensures you never pay more than you should
- New validators on rail platforms and buses
- New backend software and systems
- Improved data processing and security
- VanillaDirect MyRide card allows you to load cash at participating retailers across the Denver metro area
MyRide Barcode
Simply open the RTD MyRide app and scan your MyRide barcode at the validator, and your fare will automatically be deducted from your MyRide balance. Scan before every trip and transfer and you'll never pay more than you should!
Mobile Tickets
Use the MyRide app to purchase and activate RTD mobile tickets on your phone. When riding, scan the ticket barcode at a validator on buses and rail platforms.
Mobile tickets are also available through third-party apps including the Uber and Transit App.
Ticket Expiration
- 3-Hour Pass: Valid for three hours after activation
- Day Pass: Valid until 2:59 a.m. the following day
- Monthly Pass: Valid through the last day of the month until 2:59 a.m. the following day
- Unused mobile tickets: Expire 45 days after purchase
MyRide Card
Prefer a physical card or don’t use the RTD MyRide app? The MyRide card makes paying fares and loading cash simple and secure. Just tap at the validator to pay your fare, and never pay more than you should.
With the new VanillaDirect MyRide card, you can easily load cash at participating retailers across the Denver metro area, including King Soopers, CVS, Walgreens, and 7-Eleven. Click here to view the list of participating retailers.
Remember, registering your card with RTD protects your balance and lets you track your trips and account activity. Unregistered cards work the same for travel, but funds stay on that card only.
Validators with scan and tap functionality.
Scan your MyRide Barcode or tap your MyRide Card at the validators for the easiest and fastest way to pay your fare. When you do, the MyRide system automatically caps your fare to ensure you never pay more than you should!
MyRide and Mobile Ticketing FAQs
What is fare capping?
Fare capping ensures you never pay more than you should on RTD. When you use your MyRide Barcode or MyRide Card, 3-Hour Passes automatically convert to Day and Monthly Passes. Fare capping also applies to individual tokens, so an account holder using their MyRide barcode will accumulate trips separately than those using a MyRide Card connected to the same account. This way, everyone saves!
Can I buy tickets ahead of time?
Yes. Tickets can be purchased in advance and activated when you are ready to ride. Unused mobile tickets expire 45 days after purchase.
If I am traveling with friends and family, can I purchase and activate more than one ticket on my phone?
Yes, you can buy up to 10 mobile tickets per ticket type in a single purchase, with a maximum of 20 tickets per ticket type in a day. You can still use your MyRide barcode to pay for your fare, but others will have to use mobile tickets that are purchased separately, and fare capping will not apply to those tickets. You must activate a ticket for each passenger before boarding an RTD vehicle. Be aware that activating a large number of tickets may slow down the app.
Do I need a mobile device to manage my RTD MyRide account?
No, you can also manage your MyRide account online in the MyRide web portal.
Do I need internet service to use a mobile ticket?
Internet access is required to purchase tickets, but activated tickets can still be displayed without cellular service.
VanillaDirect FAQs
What is VanillaDirect?
VanillaDirect is a payment service that allows you to load cash onto your MyRide account at participating retail locations.
How can I load cash using VanillaDirect?
You can load cash in one of two ways:
- Scan the Pay With Cash barcode from the RTD MyRide app at a participating merchant, or
- Use a new MyRideVanillaDirect card, which has a barcode printed on the back.
Do I need a new MyRide card to use VanillaDirect?
Not if you use the RTD MyRide app. App users can load cash by scanning the Pay With Cash barcode.
Customers who do not use the app and need to load cash on a MyRide card will need the new VanillaDirect MyRide card.
Will my current MyRide card still work?
Yes. Current MyRide cards will continue to work the same as they do today.
What is the benefit of registering my new VanillaDirect MyRide card?
Registering links the card to your MyRide account, giving you:
- Balance protection if your card is lost or stolen
- The ability to track rides and manage funds in the app or online
What happens if I don’t register my new card?
Funds loaded to an unregistered card stay on that card only. The balance is not protected.
How do I know if I need the new VanillaDirect MyRide card?
You need the new card if:
- You don’t use the RTD MyRide app; and
- You want to load cash on your card at participating merchants.
If you use the app you only need the Pay With Cash barcode in the app.
Where can I get the new VanillaDirect MyRide card?
- Starting December 2, 2025, all new MyRide card orders via the RTD Online Store and shipped by mail will automatically be the VanillaDirect version.
- At RTD sales outlets, customers requesting stored value cards will receive the new version.
Does the VanillaDirect MyRide card work the same as the regular MyRide card?
Yes. It works the same for riding, tapping, and storing value—plus it includes a barcode to allow cash loading at VanillaDirect merchants.
Where can I load cash using VanillaDirect?
At any participating VanillaDirect retail merchant. You can view the participating retailers in the MyRide app by clicking “Find a Store”, or by visiting https://pay.vanilladirect.com/pages/locations.
Have other questions? We're here to help!
- Call: 303-299-6000
Language assistance is available at no cost. For Spanish, please press 2. For all other languages, press 8.
- Online Form: Contact Us Online
Zero Fare for Youth
Youth 19 and under ride at no cost on all RTD services
The Zero Fare for Youth pilot is now a permanent program that aims to enhance the lives of RTD customers and communities by reducing transportation costs for families. We will continue to welcome a future generation of transit users to experience all the benefits without a fare.