Discount Fares
Discount Fares are Available for Those Who QualifyZero Fare for Youth
Youth 19 and under ride at no cost on all RTD services
The Zero Fare for Youth pilot is now a permanent program that aims to enhance the lives of RTD customers and communities by reducing transportation costs for families. We will continue to welcome a future generation of transit users to experience all the benefits without a fare.
Learn More| Discount Fares | |
|---|---|
| 3-Hour Pass | $1.35 |
| Day Pass | $2.70 |
| 10-Ride Ticket Book | $13.50 |
| Monthly Pass | $27 |
* Discount fares apply to seniors 65+, individuals with disabilities, Medicare recipients, and customers enrolled in LiVE. All Discount fares and Monthly Passes include travel to and from the Airport Fare Zone.
Special Discount Office
The Special Discount Office administers various discounts to include Youth, Senior, Individuals with Disabilities and the Nonprofit Pass Program. Contact us at 303-299-2668 or email us at [email protected] Note: For Access-a-Ride please contact the Access-a-Ride office.
Nonprofit Pass Program
RTD partners with eligible nonprofits, governmental, and social services organizations to provide options for purchasing and issuing passes to their clients and customers. Benefits of enrolling in the Nonprofit Pass Program include:
- Participating agencies can purchase tickets in bulk, including paper products and mobile tickets
- Ability to order both standard and discounted tickets and passes
- Orders of $1500 or more receive a 10% discount
- Tailored customer service and communications to meet the needs of participating agencies
- Ability to exchange unused tickets at the end of the year
Contact us at [email protected] to enroll in the Nonprofit Pass Program today!
The following discounted fare eligibility requirements took effect January 1, 2024 as part of the new RTD Fare Changes.
Senior Special Discount Card (SDC)
The Senior Special Discount Card (SDC) provides a 50 percent fare discount for people ages 65+ on all regular bus and train service. The senior discount is not offered on Access-a-Ride service. Seniors must present a photo ID showing passenger’s age, Medicare card, or RTD-issued Special Discount Card. Individuals with disabilities must present a Medicare card or RTD-issued Special Discount Card as proof of eligibility for the discounted fare when boarding a bus or train. See eligibility requirements in the How to Apply section below.
Individuals with Disabilities Special Discount Card (SDC)
The Individuals with Disabilities Special Discount Card (SDC) provides a 50 percent fare discount for individuals with disabilities on all regular bus and train service. This discount is not valid on Access-a-Ride service. See eligibility requirements in the How to Apply section below.
Youth Special Discount Card (SDC)
The Youth Special Discount Card provides a 70 percent fare discount for youth ages 6-19 on all regular bus and train service. If the passenger has a current middle or high school ID, or government-issued photo ID showing the passenger’s age, then the Youth SDC is not required. The youth discount is not offered on Access-a-Ride service. Youth must provide proof of eligibility when using discounted fare products when boarding a bus and when asked by a fare inspector. See eligibility requirements below.
LiVE Income-Based Fare Discount Program
The LiVE Income-Based Fare Discount Program provides a 50 percent fare discount for individuals when enrolled in the program. Participants qualify if they are 20 and older, and have a gross household income at or below 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. LiVE applications are processed through PEAK, the state's public benefits website.
How to Apply for a Special Discount Card
Please ensure every step is followed before submitting your application. If items are missing then your discount card will not be mailed to you. Discount cards will be mailed to the address specified on the application within 10 business days from the date the application is received. Please do not email requesting status of your discount card if it has been less than 10 business days.
What to include
The following items below should be included in one packet that is to be sent via postal mail or email:
- A current full-face photo with no hats or sunglasses on a neutral background
- Completed Special Discount Application with required signatures
- Copy of one approved “Age Verification” documents listed on the application
RTD will accept a valid government-issued photo ID card (driver's license, non-driver's ID or passport).
Options for submitting an application
Email the information above to: [email protected]
You may also mail a physical copy of this packet to:
RTD Special Discount
1660 Blake Street - BLK-12
Denver, CO 80202
Riding with your Special Discount Card
The Special Discount Card, entitles cardholders to purchase discounted tickets and passes. Cardholders can purchase discounted 3-hour pass, day pass, monthly pass and 10-Ride ticket books. Passes can be purchased using cash or card and are available at RTD sales outlets, online store and ticket vending machines.
All discount fares are also available on the RTD MyRide App. Paper products can also be purchased at select King Soopers and Safeway stores.
Proof of Eligibility Requirements for New, Expired, or Renewal Cards
Youth
- Birth certificate or passport
- Valid state-issued identification card or driver's license
- Alien registration/permanent resident card
- Military identification/dependent card with date of birth
- Middle or high school student identification card
Senior
- Birth certificate or passport
- Valid state-issued identification card or driver's license
- Alien registration/permanent resident card
- Military identification/dependent card with date of birth
- Medical benefit card with date of birth
Individuals with Disabilities
- Medicare validation: Applicant must submit a copy of their Medicare card. Medicaid card will not be accepted
- Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income: Applicant must provide printout of their Social Security Benefits statement with the words "disabled individual" dated within the last year.
- Disabled Veterans Validation: Applicant has a service-connected disability and must submit a copy of a benefit letter from the Veterans Administration (VA). The letter must state disability is over 50% service connected and dated within the last year.
- Health Care Provider's Statement: Application must be completed by an M.D., D.O., N.P., or P.A. ONLY. Must be signed and dated within the last three months (90 days). Health Care Provider's Statement is found in the Individuals with Disabilities Special Discount Card application.
No other proof of disability will be accepted.
Additional Discount Fare Information
Other Discounts
U.S. military ride for free
Active duty members of the U.S. military currently ride for free on all RTD services. See conditions.
Personal Attendants, Aides, and Trainers
Personal attendants, aides, and trainers accompanying passengers who have a disability are permitted to ride for free.
Special Discount Card Replacement
Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Cards
To replace a lost or stolen Special Discount Card email your request to [email protected] or call 303-299-2667. There is no fee for replacement cards at this time.
Airport Fare
Airport/SkyRide
All Discount fare products include travel to or from Denver International Airport.