Free Rtd Bus Rides: What You Need To Know

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) provides public transportation in the Denver, Colorado metropolitan area. RTD offers a variety of fare and pass options for its bus and rail services, including monthly passes, day passes, and discounted fares for certain groups. While RTD fares are typically affordable, there are also certain times when rides are offered for free. For example, during free-fare August in 2022, all of RTD's services were free of charge to encourage the use of public transit and reduce air pollution. Additionally, RTD offers a Free MallRide service that connects passengers to downtown Denver, providing access to restaurants, shops, and attractions.

RTD Bus System in Denver, Colorado

The RTD Bus System in Denver, Colorado, offers fast and convenient public transportation across the Denver Metropolitan Area. The RTD system covers eight counties, with over 9,000 bus stops and more than 125 bus routes. The RTD bus line has its hub at the underground Union Station Bus Concourse, which provides access to 16 separate bus routes, including the Free MetroRide and the Free MallRide.

The RTD Bus System offers a range of fare options to suit different needs. These include the Day Pass, MyRide, 3-Hour Cash Pass, and the 10-Ride Ticket Book. The Day Pass offers both Local and Regional/Airport options, which can be purchased with cash on board, through the RTD Mobile Tickets app, or at RTD ticket vending machines. MyRide is a flexible option that doesn't require exact change and can be pre-loaded online or at select retail stores. The 3-Hour Cash Pass allows unlimited trips within a 3-hour time frame and can be purchased with exact change or through the RTD Mobile Tickets app. For regular commuters, the Monthly Pass and 10-Ride Ticket Book are available from the RTD online store, select supermarkets, and RTD Sales Outlets.

RTD also offers various discounts and reduced fare programs for eligible individuals. Seniors aged 65 and above, individuals with disabilities, and Medicare recipients are eligible for discounted fares. Children aged 5 and under can ride for free when accompanied by a paying adult, while those aged 6 to 19 qualify for reduced fares. Active-duty U.S. military members can also ride for free on all RTD services with valid proof of eligibility.

In addition to its extensive bus network, RTD provides over 100 Local, Regional, and SkyRide bus routes, 10 rail lines totalling 113 miles of rail service, and 96 Park-n-Rides. The RTD website offers resources such as schedules, real-time location tracking, and trip planning tools to help riders navigate their services effectively.

RTD Fares and Passes

RTD offers a range of fares and passes to suit different needs and preferences. The RTD Bus System provides fast and convenient public transportation across 8 counties in the Denver Metropolitan Area, with more than 9,000 bus stops and over 125 bus routes.

Fares

RTD offers several ways to pay your bus fare. You can pay with cash, but you will need to have the exact change as the driver will not be able to provide change. You can also use the RTD Mobile Tickets app, available on the Apple App Store or Google Play, to purchase tickets and passes.

Passes

RTD offers a variety of passes to suit different needs. These include:

• Day Pass: You can purchase a Local or Regional/Airport Day Pass with cash as you board, or through the RTD Mobile Tickets app or vending machines.
• MyRide: This is a flexible option as it doesn't require exact change. You can buy and load your card online, at select stores, and at RTD Sales Outlets.
• 3-Hour Cash Pass: This pass is valid for unlimited trips within a 3-hour time frame and can be purchased with exact change or through the RTD Mobile Tickets app.
• Monthly Pass: You can purchase a Monthly Pass online, through the RTD Mobile Tickets app, or at RTD Sales Outlets and select stores.
• 10-Ride Ticket Book: These pre-purchased ticket books can be bought online or at RTD Sales Outlets and select stores.

Discounted Fares

RTD offers discounted fares for seniors aged 65+, individuals with disabilities, Medicare recipients, and youth aged 6-19. Up to three children aged 5 and under can ride for free with a fare-paying adult. Active-duty members of the U.S. military can also ride for free on all RTD services.

Free Services

In addition to its paid services, RTD also provides some free options. The Free MallRide connects you to downtown Denver, with buses operating along the 16th Street Mall, providing access to restaurants, shops, and attractions. The Free MetroRide, which operates between Union Station and Civic Center Station, is another complimentary service offered by RTD.

RTD also offered free fares during the month of August as part of its "Zero Fare for Better Air" initiative, encouraging the use of public transit to reduce air pollution.

RTD's MyRide App

The MyRide app is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play, and it is compatible with iOS and Android devices. It is designed to provide customers with a more convenient and flexible way to pay for their RTD fares. With the app, there is no need to carry cash or worry about having exact change. Customers can also manage their payment methods and view their transaction history through the app.

In addition to the app, RTD also offers a MyRide card, which can be tapped at validators for a fast and easy way to pay. The MyRide card is a good option for those who don't have a mobile phone or want to add multiple users to their account. It replaces the previous mix of transit cards and stores all account details securely.

The RTD MyRide app has received mixed reviews from users. Some appreciate the convenience and flexibility it offers, while others have criticised it for being cumbersome, confusing, and unreliable. Some users have also reported glitches and issues with logging in. However, RTD has been working on improving the app, and it now includes new features and enhancements.

Overall, the RTD MyRide app offers a modern and flexible way to pay for RTD fares, providing customers with convenience and value. With its mobile barcode, fare capping, and improved security features, it offers a more streamlined and accessible option for riders. While there have been some criticisms, RTD has been working to address issues and provide a better user experience.

Free RTD Rides

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) offers free rides on certain routes and during specific periods. Here are some details about the free RTD rides:

Free MallRide

The RTD offers a Free MallRide service that connects you to downtown Denver. This service operates along the 16th Street Mall, providing access to restaurants, shops, theatres, galleries, tourist attractions, and businesses. The Free MallRide has multiple stops along the mile-long promenade, making it convenient for passengers to explore the heart of the city.

Free MetroRide

The RTD also introduced the Free MetroRide, which provides service between Union Station and Civic Center Station. This route is typically available during specific periods, such as when it returned temporarily in May 2024, operating seven days a week from morning to evening.

Zero Fare for Better Air

During certain months, such as August in 2022, the RTD offered completely free rides on all its services, including buses, trains, and Access-a-Ride shuttles. This initiative, known as "Zero Fare for Better Air," was sponsored by the state government to encourage people to leave their cars at home and reduce air pollution during the ozone season.

In addition to these free rides, the RTD also provides discounts for specific groups, such as seniors, individuals with disabilities, Medicare recipients, and active military personnel. Children below a certain age can also ride for free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.

RTD's Bus Routes and Facilities

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) provides bus and rail services to the Denver Metro Area, with over 100 bus routes and 10 rail lines. The RTD Bus System covers 8 counties around the Denver Metropolitan Area, providing more than 9,000 bus stops and over 125 bus routes.

RTD offers a range of fare options, including Day Passes, 3-Hour Passes, Monthly Passes, and 10-Ride Ticket Books. These can be purchased through various methods, such as the RTD Mobile Tickets app, RTD ticket vending machines, and select retail stores.

The RTD bus system has several notable routes and facilities:

• Union Station Bus Concourse: The hub of the RTD bus line, located underground, with 16 separate bus routes, including the Free MetroRide and local and regional bus routes.
• Free 16th Street Mall Shuttle: A free RTD bus service operating on the 16th Street Mall, a mile-long promenade in the heart of the city. It runs daily between Civic Center Station and Denver Union Station, stopping at every block.
• Park-N-Rides: Over 70 Park-N-Rides locations are available, served by numerous bus routes and some rail lines or shuttles.
• SkyRide: Denver Airport bus service from select locations.
• BroncosRide: Bus service operating during all Denver Broncos home games.
• BuffRide: Bus service for all Colorado Buffaloes home games.
• Ski-n-Ride: Daily trips during the ski season to Eldora Mountain.
• Access-a-Ride Shuttle Bus: Offering discounts for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and Medicare recipients. Children under 5 ride free with a paying adult, while those aged 6 to 19 have reduced fares.

Frequently asked questions