RTD announces fourth round of Partnership Program pilot funding to support community mobility needs

DENVER (Aug. 4, 2026) –– The Regional Transportation District (RTD) announced the allocation for its fourth round of Partnership Program funding on Aug. 1, with nine pilot projects being selected to improve mobility for communities throughout the Denver metro area.

In 2023, RTD established the Partnership Program to help communities meet local mobility needs through transportation pilots of their own design. The Partnership Program provides opportunities for local governments and transportation management associations/organizations within RTD’s service area to apply for funding for services or enhancements that complement existing transit services or fill a transit need.

The 2026 Call for Projects, open between April 1 and April 29, 2026, made $6 million available annually for 2027, 2028, and 2029 – twice as much as last year and the most in the program’s history. Local governments and transportation management organizations and associations were eligible to apply. RTD will fund up to 80% of project costs for up to three years initially, with applicants able to request up to $1.8 million annually in funding and responsible for 20% of project costs.

The nine selected recipients from eight entities and their pilots are:

BERT (Englewood Trolley) Extension – continues existing fixed-route circulator within the City of Englewood connecting the Englewood Station with destinations in downtown Englewood and the Medical District while making operational enhancements. Funded $120,000 annually for 2027 and 2028.

Brighton On-Demand Local Transit Expansion – continues existing on-demand service within the City of Brighton while adding Friday evening and Saturday service. Funded $800,000 annually for 2028 and 2029.

Commerce City Microtransit – launches an on-demand service within core Commerce City for residents, employees, and visitors along with connections to the 40th•Colorado and Commerce City•72nd stations. Funded $858,800 for 2027, $1,021,200 for 2028, and $1,144,000 for 2029.

Erie Bee – continues on-demand service covering approximately 20 square miles in the Town of Erie along with supporting future connections to the I-25 and CO 7 Mobility Hub. Funded $648,600 for 2028.

Link-on-Demand (Highlands Ranch) – supports on-demand service within Highlands Ranch along with connections to and from the Littleton•Mineral Station. Funded $400,000 annually for 2027, 2028, and 2029.

Link-on-Demand (Lone Tree) – continues existing on-demand service within Lone Tree and the Meridian community along with facilitating connections to Lincoln Station and other key destinations. Funded $700,000 annually for 2028 and 2029.

Link-on-Demand (Parker) – supports on-demand service within the town of Parker. Funded $1,100,000 annually for 2027, 2028, and 2029.

Pecos Connect – launches an on-demand service in southwestern Adams County along the Pecos Street corridor for residents, employees, and visitors along with connections to the Pecos Junction Station. Funded $615,141 for 2027 and $582,341 annually for 2028 and 2029.

RIDE Longmont Extension – continues existing on-demand service and deploys additional service vehicles within the City of Longmont. Funded $1,300,000 in 2027, $941,000 in 2028, and $1,800,000 in 2029.

“In 2025, eight active on-demand and fixed route services supported through the Partnership Program collectively provided more than 300,000 boardings, demonstrating the program’s role in advancing RTD’s mission to make lives better through connections,” said General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson. “By leveraging local partnerships, the program continues to strengthen service delivery and expand system access to customers across the Denver metro region. These collaborations provide additional cost-effective mobility options that respond to evolving travel needs.”

The nine projects funded in the fourth round of the Partnership Program include new pilots as well as enhancements and service improvements to previously awarded projects. Customers will benefit from new on-demand service options that improve local travel and regional connections in locations such as Adams and Douglas counties, along with reduced wait times and extended service hours in Longmont and Brighton, respectively.

Other initiatives supported by prior Partnership Program Calls for Projects include on-demand services such as the Denver Connector and Aurora Rides, fixed route services such as the Westracks Shuttle, and a micromobility incentive pilot at the University of Denver and Knox stations.

Applications were evaluated on the following factors:

• Alignment with RTD’s Strategic Plan
• Local support and ability to meet local needs
• Provides service where there is a gap in existing service
• Provides service to equity zones
• Potential ridership
• Project readiness