Zero Fare

During the months of July and August in 2023, RTD offered zero fares across its entire system as part of the Zero Fare for Better Air initiative. The collaborative, statewide initiative was made possible by Colorado Senate Bill 22-180 and in partnership with the Colorado Energy Office. It was designed to reduce ground-level ozone by increasing the use of public transit. The two months aligned with Colorado’s highest ozone months and leveraged available state funding appropriated for the Ozone Season Transit Grant Program.

Following the two-month Zero Fare for Better Air initiative in 2023, RTD submitted a final evaluation report to the Colorado Energy Office. The evaluation report summarizes how the grant money was spent, outlines ridership during the zero-fare initiative, and includes an environmental impact assessment provided by the Regional Air Quality Council.

2023 Evaluation Report

Just Hop on Board!

Did You Know?

If only 10% of people in the RTD service area drove 50 less miles every week during July and August, it would be the equivalent of more than 1.5 million trees pulling carbon dioxide out of the air for one year, or taking nearly 10,000 cars off the road for one year!

To learn more about environmental benefits of public transit, other simple steps you can take, and to sign up for ozone alerts, click here.
Information courtesy of the Regional Air Quality Council.

Sit Back, Relax, and Take RTD

Save Money

Taking the bus and train saves on car expenses including maintenance, parking, and tolls, which add up quickly. A household can save nearly $10,000 by taking public transportation and living with one less car.

Improve Air Quality

Transportation is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions causing climate change. Using public transit creates 84% less carbon emissions than driving a car.

Reduce Stress

Taking public transit eliminates the stress and anxiety of battling everyday traffic. Leave the driving to RTD!

Save Time

While you’re taking public transit, catch up on reading, emails, podcasts, or just sit back and relax!

Reduce Traffic

Taking public transit removes vehicles from roadways, limiting traffic congestion, air pollution, and ground-level ozone.

Save Gas

With gas hovering around $3.50 per gallon, switching to public transit frees up additional funds in your everyday budget. In addition, public transportation saves an estimated 6 billion gallons of gas each year!

Partner Resources

  1. RTD Zero Fare for Better Air 2023_CommunityPartnerPresentation_6.8.23
  2. English Toolkit
  3. Spanish Toolkit