Denver's Regional Transportation District (RTD) announced it is looking for proposals for consultant support on its systemwide fare study and equity analysis, according to the company’s press release.

This will put the agency on schedule to develop an equitable fare structure and recommendations for pass programs by late 2022, so it can implement any changes in 2023.

The RTD fare structure was implemented in 2016. There are fare levels in three categories: local, regional, and airport.

RTD’s board of directors approved revisions to the agency’s fare structure and pass programs, which were implemented in 2019. 

“It is our mission to make our customers’ lives better through connections,” said Debra A. Johnson, RTD GM and CEO. “The most basic question we can ask is whether our system works for them, and that answer begins with a thorough, comprehensive exploration of our fares. Today’s milestone marks the next big step in our efforts to reduce access barriers to public transit in metro Denver.”

The fare study and equity analysis will follow a process consistent with guidance from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). It will also include public involvement, including extensive multicultural outreach. The process is expected to take about 18 months.