Access-a-Ride

Access-a-Ride is RTD’s ADA complementary paratransit service.  It is a shared-ride service intended for those who cannot use regular fixed-route bus/light rail service due to a disability.  

More detailed information about Access-a-Ride can be found in the Customer Guide.  

How do I qualify for Access-a-Ride? 

To travel on Access‑a‑Ride, you must meet one of the following criteria set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Section 37.123 (3)): 

1. Be unable to get to and from a bus stop or on and off a lift-equipped fixed-route bus by yourself.
2. Have a disability that prohibits you from completing fixed-route bus independently.

All RTD vehicles are 100% accessible.   

How do I apply for Access-a-Ride?

There are 4 components to the Access-a-Ride application: 

1. A written application
2. A medical verification form to be completed by the licensed professional most knowledgeable about your condition
3. An In-person Interview 
4. A Transportation Assessment

The completed application may be faxed to 303-299-2169 or mailed to:
   RTD
   c/o Access-a-Ride 
   1660 Blake St.
   Denver, CO 80202

What does it cost to ride Access-a-Ride? 

Access-a-Ride fares are collected as you board the vehicle.  They may be paid using cash (exact fare, no change is provided) or Access-a-Ride tickets, which are available at RTD ticket outlets, participating King Soopers and Safeway stores. 

Payment of fare is expected when boarding an Access-a-Ride vehicle. Passengers may not pay at the destination. Access-a-Ride fares can be paid in cash or with Six-Ride Tickets ONLY. If paid in cash, the EXACT CHANGE must be used, as Access-a-Ride operators do not carry change. Ticket booklets are available at an RTD Sales Outlet, participating King Soopers and Safeway stores, or online.

There are no refunds for purchases of any fare products. Fare media may carry an end-of-year expiration date; if so, they may be eligible for credit towards a new ticket book during a limited period under RTD ticket exchange policies.

Access‑a‑Ride is available during the same days and hours as our Local bus service. We offer curbside and door-to-door service, as well as subscriptions for passengers who make regular trips to the same destination.   

You can schedule a trip within Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties in Colorado, as long as your starting point and destination are within 3/4 mile of RTD's Local fixed-route transit system. 

Use this Access-a-Ride service lookup to find out if service is available at your desired location. Lookup search functionality works best in Google Chrome or Firefox. 

An aide who accompanies a disabled passenger rides free. No tickets that display the word “Discount” will be accepted as Access-a-Ride fare. Passengers with Access‑a‑Ride IDs ride free on all other RTD fixed-route bus and train service.

RTD makes every effort to ensure individuals with disabilities have access to, and benefits from, our services. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and FTA requirements, we invite requests for reasonable modifications to customers with disabilities.

Reasonable modifications include changes, exceptions or adjustments to our rules, policies, practices, and procedures to provide everyone with the opportunity to use RTD services.

• View RTD's ADA Notice, Reasonable Modification Statement, and Reasonable Modification Form. 

RTD utilizes an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system for Access-a-Ride and Access-a-Cab customers. This is a voice-activated phone tree that allows you to more easily manage trips and confirmations. The following information is being provided for information only and is not intended as a comprehensive explanation of each feature.