DENVER — After a one-month pilot program in August 2022, RTD is bringing back zero fares across its system – this time through July and August. The campaign includes buses, trains, Access-a-Rides and FlexRides.
With Colorado's peak ozone season looming, RTD hopes these free fares will encourage more new riders to take public transit, thus reducing the number of vehicles on the road.
According to RTD, they will continue to operate under their current service plan for the duration of the initiative. Adjustments (such as added rail cars or extra buses) will be made as necessary to meet the increased demand.
In addition, more than 30 other agencies from across Colorado will be participating in the Zero Fare program. Zero fare promotional periods do vary across transit agencies.
According to a RTD report, last year's pilot program in August brought a 22% ridership increase from July to August and 36% jump from August 2021. The agency said that much of the growth observed in August 2022 had carried over into September, even with the resumption of fare collection. September ridership fell 3% from August. However, it remained much higher than July.
The Zero Fare for Better Air program is made possible with funding from Colorado Senate Bill 22-180, in partnership with the Colorado Energy Office. According to the bill's language, the money obtained from the bill can be used to cover lost fare box revenues and to pay for other expenses as necessary to implement the program.
In April 2023, a bill (HB23-1101) was signed by Gov. Jared Polis to expand the existing grant program. It allows transit agencies more flexibility on when they can can use the money, noting that different parts of Colorado can experience the "ozone season" differently depending on the time of the year. Separately, it also specifically gives RTD the authority to use grant money to cover 100% of the costs (as opposed to 80% from last year).
The total cost to RTD for the August 2022 pilot program came to $10.3 million, according to the report, adding that the costs would be a significant burden without the grant assistance. And overall, RTD had a positive experience offering zero-fare services, while customers appreciated it.
RTD encourages customers to sign up for Service Alerts to get specific information on impacts to routes and stations. People may also use RTD’s Trip Planner and Next Ride web apps to plan a trip and see bus and train locations in real time.
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