Denver RTD's fare discount enrollment exceeds 4,600 in 7 months

Once enrolled in the program, RTD riders must carry and show two items to receive the discount, including their LiVE Program eligibility card and qualifying fare media. Denver RTD

More than 4,600 people have enrolled in LiVE, the Denver Regional Transportation District’s (RTD) income-based fare discount program, since it launched last summer, the agency announced. Participation in the program has risen significantly since the beginning of this year, with an average of 220 applications approved each week during the past eight weeks.

The LiVE Program provides a 40% discount to riders ages 20 to 64 who live in the RTD district and whose gross household incomes are at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.

All RTD customers interested in receiving the discounted fare must qualify and enroll in the LiVE Program through Colorado PEAK, the state’s benefits website.

Once enrolled in the program, RTD riders must carry and show two items to receive the discount, including their LiVE Program eligibility card and qualifying fare media. LiVE Program eligibility cards are valid for a year from the date of approval, and qualifying riders can reapply each year through the PEAK website.

Because LiVE is a new program, RTD asked for and has appreciated the public feedback it has received, which is leading to program adjustments. Groups providing comments include customers, Denver Human Services, governmental and nonprofit agencies, homeless service providers, and correctional institutions. All LiVE Program users will be formally surveyed about their experience later this year.

RTD’s board approved the creation of an income-based fare discount program in September 2018, following a year-long review of RTD’s fare structure and pass programs by a 25-member working group convened at the request of the public and by direction of the board. RTD staff worked in partnership with the Colorado Governor’s Office of Information Technology and Denver Human Services to complete all the technical and logistical details necessary to launch the LiVE Program for public enrollment 10 months later, on July 29, 2019.

RTD offers other discount programs to individuals who are younger than 20, older than 64, disabled, or Medicare recipients.