The Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) is releasing its Call for Projects Partnership Program on April 16, with $3 million available annually from 2026-2028 for projects to help improve local mobility.

Project Eligibility and Application

The program gives opportunities for local governments and transportation management associations and organizations within the district to apply for funding. Services or enhancements that complement existing RTD services or fill a transportation need are eligible to receive the funding.

Eligible organizations can apply through 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 14. A virtual Q&A session will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 21, for those with questions about the application process or project criteria.

Other entities interested in the 2025 partnership program funding must partner with an eligible organization to apply.

The selected projects will be announced on August 1, 2025.

Innovative project ideas will be considered within the district boundaries. However, infrastructure projects are not eligible. Projects that seek the expansion or provision of RTD services identified within the System Optimization Plan are also not eligible for funding. The full details can be found on RTD’s Partnership Program page.

A 20% minimum local match is required for projects, and RTD will commit up to three years of funding for selected projects with a start date of 2026. Applications can request funding for one, two, or three years depending on project needs.

All applications will be evaluated on the following criteria.

• Alignment with RTD’s Strategic Plan.

• Local support and ability to meet local needs.

• Complements existing RTD services.

• Provides service where there is a gap in existing service.

• Provides service to equity populations.

• Potential ridership.

• Project readiness.

Past Projects Supported by the Program

RTD’s Partnership Program funding can aid partners in creating transportation services to help better meet local mobility needs while granting customers better access to RTD bus stops and stations.

Projects that are eligible include fixed-route transit services, on-demand transit services, other mobility services, and other projects to enhance mobility through other means.

One project funded through the partnership program is the Lone Tree Link-on-Demand service. The service offered 58063 rides in 2024, a new record after its start in 2019.

The expansion of the City of Englewood’s fixed route trolly was also supported through the program. The trolly provides service between the Englewood D Line light rail stop through the HCA Health One and Craig Hospital medical centers.

Other initiatives supported by the program include the RIDE Longmont on-demand service, Denver Connector, and Smart Commute support to establish micromobility hubs.