MENU
SEARCHThe zero-fare program, which enables youth ages 19 and under to use all RTD services at no cost, will now become a permanent fare change for the agency.
RTD’s Community Engagement Team is currently scheduling outreach activities and presentations with schools and youth-focused organizations to inform parents and youth about the continuation of the program.
Photo: Denver RTD
Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD) board unanimously approved continuing the Zero Fare for Youth program beyond the agency’s one-year pilot.
The zero-fare program, which enables youth ages 19 and under to use all RTD services at no cost, will now become a permanent fare change for the agency.
Following the approval by RTD’s board, the program will seamlessly continue beyond the one-year pilot, with no disruption to youth customers.
“Since Zero Fare for Youth began last year, my team and I have heard directly from the public that the program has proven to be a game-changer, enabling youth to have access to schools, work and extracurricular activities without the concern of how they will pay their fares,” said GM/CEO Debra A. Johnson said. “Zero Fare for Youth is helping RTD’s youngest customers understand how their new habits are aiding air quality in their communities and supporting their freedom to explore and gain independence. RTD is also developing transit customers for life.”
The one-year pilot program initially launched on Sept. 1 to provide affordable, equitable, and simplistic transit options for youth.
The pilot was based on a key recommendation from the agency’s fare study and equity analysis.
Prior to the board’s action, Zero Fare for Youth was scheduled to end on Aug. 31. Youth ages 19 and under can now continue to present a valid student or government-issued ID and use all of RTD’s services at no cost.
RTD received positive feedback from many schools about the program’s impact in reducing truancy, and it garnered support from school districts, youth organizations, and customers across the entire Denver metro area.
The Colorado legislature passed a bill in May 2024 to appropriate up to $5 million to RTD to continue a zero-fare program for youth. SB24-032 Methods to Increase the Use of Transit outlines RTD’s eligibility to apply for and receive grant money to provide year-round, zero-fare transit services for youth.
The Zero Fare for Youth program provides many benefits for youth and their families, including cost and time savings. Using RTD’s buses and trains increases independence by reducing dependence on others for transportation, and it provides young people with the freedom and flexibility to travel where they need to go.
RTD’s Community Engagement Team is currently scheduling outreach activities and presentations with schools and youth-focused organizations to inform parents and youth about the continuation of the program.
The governor’s proposed auto insurance reforms could save the agency $48 million annually by limiting payouts in crashes where buses are not primarily at fault.
Read More →
What truly drives the cost of a paratransit fleet? Beyond the purchase price, seven operational factors quietly determine maintenance frequency, downtime, and long-term service reliability. This whitepaper explores how these factors shape lifecycle cost and what agencies should evaluate when selecting paratransit vehicles.
Read More →
In this conversation, TBC’s Executive Director Ed Redfern, President Corey Aldridge, and Washington Representative Joel Rubin outline the coalition’s key policy priorities, the challenges facing transit agencies, and how industry stakeholders can work together to strengthen the voice of bus transit at the federal level.
Read More →
Amanda Wanke, who has worked at DART for 10 years, including the past 2½ years as CEO, will join Metro Transit as deputy chief operating officer, operations administration.
Read More →
The first comprehensive overhaul of SEPTA’s bus network will expand frequent service, add routes, and phase in changes through 2027.
Read More →
In his first State of CDTA address as CEO, Frank Annicaro highlighted the organization’s continued focus on delivering reliable service, investing in innovation, and strengthening connections across the region.
Read More →
The agency is testing floor decals on select railcars to improve awareness of priority seating and support a more accessible transit experience.
Read More →
The special episode features an exclusive interview with Mark Miller, president of Constellation Software Inc. and executive chairman of the Volaris Group, who reflects on the podcast's early vision and the importance of creating a platform where transit leaders can share ideas and learn from one another.
Read More →
The CAD facility enables NFI to complete full domestic production of heavy-duty transit vehicles, including zero-emission buses, in Winnipeg for the first time in 15 years.
Read More →
The findings provide clear evidence that sustained Federal investment in public transit and passenger rail delivers significant returns for workers, communities, taxpayers, and the U.S. economy, APTA officials said.
Read More →
