Denver RTD Launches Program to Assist Customers with Immediate Needs

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) announced it is seeking applications Jan. 16-Feb. 29 from nonprofit organizations and government agencies that serve clients with immediate transit needs for a Transit Assistance Grant (TAG).

RTD is launching the new grant program in response to the 2023 Systemwide Fare Study and Equity Analysis, according to the company's news release.

RTD has set aside $1 million for the program which provides grants of up to $50,000 per organization in RTD fares in the form of 10-Ride ticket books.

These will be provided at no cost to grant recipients who must distribute the tickets to their clients or constituents for free.

“Recognizing that access to public transit is access to opportunity, RTD established the Transit Assistance Grant program to help individuals with immediate needs to use transit,” RTD Director of Civil Rights Division Carl Green, Jr. said. “A recurring theme from customers is the amount of time for enrollment into the LiVE income-based fare discount program. TAG is meant to help fill the gap on a temporary basis for customers with urgent transportation-related requirements.” 

Eligibility Requirements for RTD's Grant Program

To be considered for participation in the grant program, an agency/organization must be designated as exempt from federal income tax under I.R.S. § 501(c)(3) or be a governmental community/social service agency each of which helps meet the immediate needs of clients.

This includes, and is not limited to, urgent transportation-related requirements of individuals or communities that could have significant detrimental consequences: vulnerable populations such as seniors, people with disabilities, low-income individuals, clients of the judicial system, or others, who need reliable transportation to access essential services like pharmacies, groceries, mental health, and medical appointments.

Other immediate needs include employment transportation for job seekers, low-wage workers, or individuals pursuing education or vocational training opportunities; community outreach and social services; crisis intervention, homelessness support, or specialized needs of vulnerable groups such as refugees, immigrants, or individuals with severe health conditions.  

RTD Staff to Determine Grant Recipients

A selection panel comprised of RTD staff will determine grant recipients based on clear and transparent evaluation criteria, including whether an organization:

• Has a nonprofit status, partnership with a fiscal agent that has nonprofit status, or is a government agency
• Serves the immediate-needs clients as described in the grant description
• Agrees to participate in a mandatory annual eligibility and documentation process ensuring recipients meet the program criteria

For complete information about eligibility requirements and how to apply for the program, visit here.