The Regional Transportation District (RTD) Board of Directors 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 tonight’s approval by RTD’s Board of Directors, 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,” General Manager and 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, 2023, 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 tonight’s Board 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. A full list of acceptable ID options can be found on the Zero Fare for Youth webpage.
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. As students return for the fall semester, organizations interested in partnering with RTD’s outreach team at back-to-school nights or other events can email CommunityEngagement@RTD-denver.com.
