Zero Fare for Youth
Youth 19 and under ride at no cost September ’23 – August ’24!
*Proof of eligibility required. Click here to learn more.
Quick Links
Accessibility Features
- Accessible Bus and Rail Vehicles
- Blind or visually impaired passengers
- Automatic Stop Announcements
- Night Stop
- Personal Attendants
- Service Animals
- Respirators and Portable Oxygen
- Bus Wheelchair Securement and Priority Seating
- Policy for Bus Wheelchair Securement Area
- Light Rail Mobility Device/Wheelchair Area
- Light Rail High Block Access
- Commuter Rail Mobility Device/Wheelchair Area
- Accessible Information
- Web Accessibility
- Accessible Facilities
- Emergency Telephones
- Comments, Complaints and Commendations
Accessible Services
We address the unique needs and challenges of all individuals by facilitating accessibility, mobility, and community involvement through our programs and services. Our stations, stops, Park-n-Rides, and vehicles have accessible features to make getting to your destination easy. We offer customized travel training and provide special services and accommodations for those who can’t use our fixed route buses and trains.
Access-a-Ride
We provide local bus transportation for people who cannot access our fixed route bus and rail systems due to a disability or disabling health condition. You must be a registered customer to use Access-a-Ride service.
Free Travel Training Program
The Free Travel Training Program is designed for older adults (60+), people with disabilities, and others living with mobility limitations to learn how to ride public transit as a way to expand their transportation options and save money. There is no charge for participating in the Travel Training Program. Participants can ride the fixed route and FlexRide buses for free and their Access-a-Ride service will remain unchanged.
To learn how to ride transit, please contact RTD Training at 303-299-4144 or [email protected].
Submit an ADA Complaint
You may submit a formal complaint in the following ways:
To file an ADA complaint by phone contact:
-
(TTY) Dial 711
-
To file an ADA complaint electronically:
Communication Assistance
The following communication assistance is available for all public meetings conducted by RTD:
- Language interpreters
- Sign-language interpreters
- Assisted-listening devices.
Please notify RTD of the communication assistance you require at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting you wish to attend by calling 303-299-6216.
Discounted Fares and Special Discount Cards
Individuals with disabilities are entitled to a discount fare on fixed route bus, FlexRide, and rail service. If you are riding with a discounted pass or ticket, you must be able to present proof of eligibility every time you ride.
See a list of discounted fares and learn how to obtain a Special Discount Card
Accessibility Features
In addition, we provide a wide array of features that help individuals to participate in activities, access services, and contribute fully as vibrant members of the community.
Accessible Bus Vehicles
All RTD buses, including the Free MallRide, Free MetroRide, and rail vehicles, are accessible for mobility aids such as wheelchairs, electric scooters, segways, walkers, and crutches. Bus and rail operators are trained to assist passengers with disabilities boarding or exiting the vehicle.
Blind or Visually Impaired Passengers
RTD understands its role in providing accessible transportation to passengers who are blind or visually impaired. Along with daily operations, the following are additional options/assistance RTD has incorporated to help passengers with visual impairments:
- Automatic stop announcements
- Accessible information
- Personal attendants and service animals
- Travel training
- All rail and commuter rail platforms have Braille identification
- Access-a-Ride (para-transit) program
- Communication assistance
Bus, rail operators, and security personnel are available to assist people with questions, directions, stop locations, etc. Feel free to ask for their help when using RTD services.
Bus Wheelchair Securement and Priority Seating
Customers using a wheelchair must use the designated securement area and may secure or unsecure their wheelchair without assistance from the operator. Customers may also utilize operator assistance for securement--RTD provides “Secure Here” stickers and “Stoke Straps” for the customer to indicate how and where securement straps should be attached to the wheelchair. To obtain stoke straps, ask the operator or call 303-299-4056.
Policy for Bus Wheelchair Securement Area and Priority Seating
Individuals who use mobility aids, including wheelchairs, have equal access to the securement areas on buses.
Read the Bus Wheelchair Securement Area and Priority Seating Policy
Accessible Light Rail Vehicles
Seat Design Change
To improve light rail service for passengers using mobility devices, such as wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers, RTD is redesigning the seating on light rail vehicles to provide additional space to board and maneuver. This effort includes removing seats next to the current wheelchair areas. This alteration also provides additional standing room when not being used by passengers with mobility devices.
These changes are being made with input from passengers with disabilities and as the result of a class settlement agreement finalized in August with the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, a Denver-based organization that advocates for social justice for people with all types of disabilities. The terms of that agreement call for all of RTD’s existing light rail vehicles to be retrofitted as described, as well as for all new vehicles to be substantially similar in design to the retrofitted vehicles. RTD has collaborated on this effort with the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition (CCDC) and Civil Rights Education and Enforcement Center (CREEC).
We appreciate your understanding as RTD further enhances the light rail experience for all members of our community. Learn More About Seat Modifications.
All rail vehicles are accessible to riders with mobility devices and have designated seating areas available for riders with mobility devices. Light rail vehicles are mobility device and wheelchair accessible. Ramps are located at each station. Wait at the top of the ramp for the lead train car to stop and the operator will help you board and exit the lead train car.
The designated mobility device/wheelchair area is the best place for a rider using a mobility device while on light rail vehicles. Securement is not required or assisted.
In addition to helping board/de-board riders with mobility devices, train operators also assist with arranging other passengers, able-bodied and others using mobility devices, when designated mobility device/wheelchair areas are in use from other riders. Light rail train operators generally only assist riders who are loading/exiting the lead train car. Learn how to ride rail.
Policy for Light Rail Mobility Device/Wheelchair Area and Priority Seating
Individuals who use mobility aids, including wheelchairs, have equal access to the designated mobility device/wheelchair areas on light rail trains.
Light Rail High Block Access
The RTD Light Rail high block is a ramp structured for accessibility. The purpose of the high block is to create access to the train for people with mobility devices - mainly wheelchairs. High block use is also for individuals whose physical mobility impairment(s) make it difficult to use the stairs to access RTD’s light rail trains.
The high block is not required to accommodate devices that are not primarily designed or intended to assist persons with mobility disabilities. Devices such as bicycles, skateboards, shopping carts, two-wheeled scooters, luggage, strollers, etc., are not designed nor intended to be used as a mobility device based on a disability. Therefore, these types of items are not allowed on the RTD Light Rail high blocks. RTD Light Rail riders are also not allowed to use the high block for items they have difficulty getting on the train e.g. luggage, strollers, bikes, etc.
In order to maintain our accessibility features (Light Rail high block), and for riders' safety, RTD will take steps to ensure unobstructed access to the Light Rail high blocks for people with legitimate mobility devices and mobility impairments.
Accessible Commuter Rail Vehicles
Commuter rail vehicles are wheelchair accessible with level boardings at every door and designated mobility device/wheelchair seating areas on every vehicle. Securement is not required or assisted. The designated mobility device/wheelchair area is adjacent to every door on every rail car.
Policy for Commuter Rail Mobility Device Area and Priority Seating
Individuals who use mobility aids, including wheelchairs, have equal access to the designated mobility device/wheelchair areas on commuter rail trains.
Personal Attendants
Personal attendants, aides and trainers accompanying passengers who have a disability are permitted to ride for free. Service animals may accompany disabled passengers as well.
Service Animals
Service animals may accompany disabled passengers.
Pursuant to Colorado law (§ 18-13-107.3), intentional misrepresentation of entitlement to a service animal is illegal.
- A person commits intentional misrepresentation of entitlement to an assistance animal if:
- The person intentionally misrepresents entitlement to an animal in his or her possession as an assistance animal for the purpose of obtaining any of the rights or privileges set forth in state or federal law for an individual with a disability as a reasonable accommodation in housing;
- The person was previously given a written or verbal warning regarding the fact that it is illegal to intentionally misrepresent entitlement to an assistance animal;
- The person knows that:
- The animal is not an assistance animal with regard to that person; or
- The person does not have a disability.
Respirators and Portable Oxygen
You may board any RTD service with a respirator or portable oxygen supply. When calculating the amount of oxygen required, plan to include more than two hours of travel time.
Automatic Stop Announcements and Bus Stop Safety
To assist all customers, especially those with visual and auditory impairments, we have implemented an automated voice and display announcement system on buses across the district.
Night Stop and Transit Watch
Safety is RTD’s number one priority. We offer several different safety programs including Night Stop, Transit Watch, and Partners in Safety.
RTD offers a Night Stop service along all local RTD bus routes, except the downtown Denver area bordered by 11th Ave, Grant St, 23rd St, Speer Blvd, and I-25, due to the frequency of established stops and numerous police patrols. The service is provided as a safety measure for anyone who request to be dropped off at any safe location along the route. Inform the bus driver you would like a night stop, at least one block in advance of your final destination.
The service is available mainly after the evening rush-hour from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning, and is for unaccompanied (not including children) deboarding passengers only. The driver will determine a safe deboarding location and ask that you exit through the front door of the bus.
Our Partners In Safety program is a collaborative effort between RTD employees, our passengers, and the general public to raise awareness of issues and actions that promote a safer environment around our vehicles.
If you see something say something. Transit Watch is an innovative program that trains RTD Transit Police and Security Officers in the latest law enforcement techniques and counter-terrorism measures. From increased patrols and electronic surveillance, to unannounced security sweeps of RTD vehicles and facilities, we take every precaution to ensure the security of our vehicles and passengers.
Download RTD’s Transit Watch app for a quick and easy way to communicate directly with RTD Transit Police about suspicious activity, problems pertaining to ride or station quality, or to receive updates, alerts, and safety information. Download the app now for iOS or Android.
Accessible Information
Schedules and route information can be printed in braille, large print, or sent electronically via email. For special requests, please fill out our Reasonable Modification Request form.
Web Accessibility
The RTD website incorporates accessibility standards for persons with disabilities including guidelines from the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. We are dedicated to providing the best transit experience to each and every rider, and will continue to take steps to improve rtd-denver.com.
Accessible Facilities
Elevators and ramps are located at facilities for rider accessibility. In the event of an elevator outage, information will be posted online under Service Alerts. Passengers can sign up to receive email notifications of these outages as well.
Emergency Telephones
Disabled customers needing assistance at RTD facilities may use the emergency telephones inside elevators. Once the button is pushed, the phone will automatically be connected to RTD’s Security Command Center.
Comments, Complaints, and Commendations
RTD wants to hear about your experiences and welcomes your feedback. To submit complaints, commendations, suggestions or questions contact Customer Care at 303-299-6000 or use the customer comment form.
ADA Office
The ADA Office oversees RTD’s compliance with Title‘s I & II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA Office ensures and monitors ADA compliance for all services and programs provided by RTD. The purpose of the ADA office is to provide guidance and implementation on policies, procedures and strategies that protect the civil rights of people with disabilities. Internal efforts include, but are not limited to; training, organizational awareness, complaint procedures/resolution, effective communication, and reasonable accommodations/modifications. In addition to these efforts, the ADA office also assists with proactive efforts through public information and collaboration, complementary paratransit service, and accessibility to vehicles/facilities/transit.
Reasonable Modification
The goal of RTD is to operate a safe, efficient, effective and equitable transportation system; that provides mobility and accessibility to persons with disabilities, including individuals who use adaptive devices.
RTD is committed to making reasonable modifications to practices, policies, and procedures to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability, and ensure equitable access to programs, benefits, and services.
Here is what you should expect when you submit an advance reasonable modification request with RTD:
- RTD will promptly and thoroughly review your request.
- Please allow at least five (5) to seven (7) business days to receive a response regarding your reasonable modification request.
- An RTD staff member will be in contact with you if we require any additional documentation or have an update about your reasonable modification request.
View RTD's Reasonable Modification Statement
Advanced Reasonable Modification Requests
Whenever feasible, requests for modifications should be made in advance of when the modified service is being requested to be provided by RTD. The request should be as specific as possible and include information on why the requested modification is needed in order to allow the individual to use RTD's services.
Examples of Reasonable Modifications
On-the-Spot Modifications
Per FTA Regulations the following two examples are plausible reasonable modification requests.
Obstructions
For fixed-route services, a passenger's request for a driver to position the vehicle to avoid obstructions to the passenger's ability to enter or leave the vehicle at a designated stop location, such as parked cars, snowbanks, and construction, should be granted so long as positioning the vehicle to avoid the obstruction does not pose a direct threat. To be granted, such a request should result in the vehicle stopping in reasonably close proximity to the designated stop location. Transportation entities are not required to pick up passengers with disabilities at non-designated locations. Fixed route operators would not have to establish flag stop or route-deviation policies, as these would be fundamental alterations to a fixed route system rather than reasonable modifications of a system. Likewise, subject to the limitations discussed in the introduction to this appendix, paratransit operators should be flexible in establishing pick up and drop off points to avoid obstructions.
Fare Handling
A passenger's request for transit personnel (e.g., the driver, station attendant) to handle the fare media when the passenger with a disability cannot pay the fare by the generally established means should be granted on fixed route or paratransit service (e.g., in a situation where a bus passenger cannot reach or insert a fare into the fare box). Transit personnel are not required to reach into pockets or backpacks in order to extract the fare media.
Pre-arranged Modifications
Alternate Pick-Up Location
A para-transit passenger may request to be picked up at home, but not at the front door of his or her home. This request and arrangements should be granted as long as the requested pick-up location does not pose a direct threat or create a fundamental alteration to the service.
Complaint Process
Any person who believes that they have been discriminated against on the basis of disability by RTD may file an ADA complaint, by submitting a complaint to RTD Customer Care.
Under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), RTD is required to make its services and programs accessible to people with disabilities and in compliance with the ADA. This procedure satisfies RTD’s obligation to provide a grievance procedure under Title II. If you feel that you have not been able to access a program or service of RTD because of accessibility issues, or have been discriminated against based on your disability, you may submit an ADA Complaint.
How to Submit an ADA Complaint
Please submit your complaint to RTD Customer Care by completing RTD's complaint form or call 303-299-6000 [TTY: Dial 711]. For an alternative format to submit your ADA complaint, please contact ADA Manager, Gabe Christie. Please be sure to communicate whether your complaint is related to your disability and provide sufficient facts demonstrating how your complaint is related to your disability. You will receive an automatic acknowledgment of receipt within three business days, provided an email address was submitted. You will receive a response with the results within 20 business days if you requested a response and provided sufficient contact information.
This procedure is intended to satisfy RTD’s obligations under the ADA and applies to anyone alleging discrimination on the basis of a disability in RTD’s provision of its services, activities, programs or benefits. This process is designed to provide you with the opportunity to quickly and effectively resolve any issue(s) as it relates to the ADA and RTD. Your complaint will be investigated in accordance with RTD’s ADA complaint procedure.
Appeal Process for an ADA Complaint
If you are dissatisfied with the result of your ADA complaint, you may submit your appeal to RTD’s ADA Manager by completing this online fillable appeals form.
You must submit an appeal within 30 calendar days after you received your results or after you originally submitted your complaint, whichever is later. The appeal must be in writing and state all facts and arguments supporting your belief that the complaint was not appropriately resolved. The ADA Manager will review the complaint and provide a written response within 30 calendar days.
For an alternative format to file your ADA Appeal, please contact the ADA Manager, Gabe Christie, or designee, at [email protected]. RTD will retain your complaint, appeal and response for at least one year.
For organizations or businesses outside RTD’s responsibility please contact the U.S. Department of Justice at 1-800-514-0301.
Request Reasonable Modification
You may request a reasonable modification in the following ways. Please allow five (5) to seven (7) business days for us to contact you regarding your request.
Submit an ADA Complaint
You may submit a formal complaint in the following ways:
To file an ADA complaint by phone contact:
-
(TTY) Dial 711
-
To file an ADA complaint electronically:
FILING AN APPEAL
If you are dissatisfied with the results of your ADA-related complaint, and/or RTD's response to your advanced request for a reasonable modification, you may submit your appeal to RTD's ADA Manager by completing this ADA Appeal Form.
You may submit by email:
[email protected]
or mail:
Regional Transportation District
Attention: Gabe Christie, ADA Manager
1660 Blake Street - BLK 31
Denver, Colorado 80202
Effective Communication
RTD will take the appropriate steps to ensure that communication with applicants, participants, and members of the public with disabilities is effective. RTD shall furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary to afford a person with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in RTD programs and services.
This would include, but is not limited to, sign language interpreters, Braille, CART, large print, accessible online documents, etc. Please contact Gabe Christie, ADA Manager, for assistance and allow a three business-day notice for arrangements.