[Colorado-Talk] RTD Fare Restructuring

Wed Aug 2 22:51:11 UTC 2023

Greetings everyone:

If you use public transportation services (including paratransit services)
in the Denver metropolitan area, you will be pleased to hear that on
Tuesday, July 25, the Board of Directors of the Denver Regional
Transportation District (RTD) unanimously approved a fare restructuring
program which will reduce fares over-all, make bus and light rail fares the
same, and eliminate regional fares. Paratransit (i.e., Access-a-Ride)
passengers will also benefit from fare reductions will now have the
opportunity to apply for a 50% discount through RTD's income-based fare
reduction (LiVE) program. All of this is expected to start in early 2024.
However, the LiVE discount for paratransit passengers will take some time to
be implemented, but we are assured that it will happen some time next year.

I offer here a copy of material I just received from RTD which explains all
of this in what I hope is plain, easily-readable text. What seems to be
missing is information confirming that in addition to the Airport Monthly
Pass, the regular monthly pass, currently $114, will also be reduced to $88.
For Access-a-Ride passengers interested in applying for the LiVE program,
the current federal poverty level for a household of 1 is pegged at $14,580
annually. Thus, to qualify, a household of one would need to have an annual
income that is less than $36,450, 2.5 times that amount. These figures are
likely to increase starting in January of next year.

<Begin Excerpt>

Updated Fare Structure

RTD's updated fare structure will be implemented in early 2024. Staff are in
the process of finalizing the implementation details, and a specific
timeline will be announced in the near future.

The recently approved updated fare structure lowers all costs for the first
time in RTD's history. The fare structure supports equitable and fair access
for transit-reliant and financially burdened customers, aligns the fares
with service value, and makes the overall fares easier to understand with
standardized discounts and streamlined fare payment options.

Standard Fare

In 2024, a new standard fare will replace the current local and regional
fares. The standard fare will be $2.75 for a 3-hour pass, and $5.50 for a
day pass. The current amount for a 3-hour pass is $3 for a local zone and
$5.25 for a regional zone.

Monthly Pass

The new monthly pass, which includes the Denver International Airport, will
be reduced from $200 to $88. 

Discount Fares

A single discount fare will be $1.35 for a 3-hour pass, $2.70 for a day
pass, $27 for a monthly pass. This amount provides access to any RTD
destination, including the airport. Discount fares are available to adults
65 and older, people with disabilities, Medicare recipients, and individuals
enrolled in LiVE, RTD's income-based fare discount program.

LiVE Program Expansion

RTD is expanding its LiVE Program to ensure more customers are eligible to
enroll, and the discount is being adjusted from 40% to 50%, to align with
other discounted fares. The income thresholds have also been increased from
185% to 250% of Federal Poverty Level. RTD has also removed the in-district
requirement.

LiVE customers who present their valid credentials at the time of boarding
the bus will receive the same discount whether paying in cash or other
means. Customers purchasing fare via ticket vending machines or at the sales
outlets will also receive the discount and will need to present their valid
LiVE credentials upon request during a fare check. Additionally,
income-eligible customers using paratransit services can enroll in and
receive LiVE discounts on Access-a-Ride fares for the first time.

Access-a-Ride

The Access-a-Ride fares are being reduced from $5 for a local fare to $4.50
for a one-way standard fare. As with the other updated fare structure
changes, the regional fare is being removed. The one-way fare to the airport
will also be reduced from $20 to $19. For individuals enrolled in the LiVE
Program, the new one-way standard fare will be $2.25 and $9.50 airport fare.
Additionally, 6-ride tickets will be reduced from $30 to $27 for standard
fare, and $13.50 for individuals enrolled in LiVE. 

Zero Fare for Youth

Starting on September 1, 2023, RTD will offer a 12-month pilot program
allowing youth 19 and under to use RTD's services at no cost.

<End Excerpt>

We can all hope that RTD will move quickly to implement this new fare
structure.

Kind regards,

Curtis Chong

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