Discount Fares
Discount Fares are Available for Those Who QualifyZero Fare for Youth
Youth 19 and under ride at no cost September ’23 – August ’24!
RTD is excited to welcome a future generation of transit users to experience all the benefits at no cost. Zero Fare for Youth is a one-year pilot program that aims to enhance the lives of RTD customers and communities by reducing transportation costs for families.
Learn More| Standard | |
|---|---|
| 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, and Medicare recipients. All Discount fares and Monthly Passes include travel to and from the Airport Fare Zone.
Contact the Special Discount Office
Discounted Fare Programs
Discount fares are available for all seniors 65+, individuals with disabilities, Medicare recipients, and youth (ages 6-19). Children five years of age or younger ride free with a fare-paying adult (limit three children with each fare-paying adult). An income-based fare discount is available for qualifying riders who enroll in RTD’s LiVE Program. Active duty members of the U.S. military ride for free on all RTD services. Proof of eligibility is required for all passengers using discounted fare products.
The following discounted fare eligibility requirements took effect January 1, 2019 as part of the new RTD 2019 Fares changes.
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.
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. The individuals with disabilities discount is not offered on Access-a-Ride service. 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.
LiVE Income-Based Fare Discount Program
The LiVE Income-Based Fare Discount Program provides a 40 percent fare discount for individuals when enrolled in the program. Participants qualify if they are between the ages of 20 and 64, live within the RTD service area, and have a household income at or below 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. LiVE applications are processed through PEAK, the state's public benefits website.
How To Apply
Please ensure every step is followed before submitting your application. If items are missing then your pass will not be mailed to you. Passes 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 pass 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 emailed:
- 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: specialdiscount@rtd-denver.com
You may also mail a physical copy of this packet to:
RTD Special Discount
1660 Blake Street - BLK-12
Denver, CO 80202
Application approval
Upon approval of your eligibility, you will be issued a Special Discount Card, which will entitle you to use any bus or train service by paying a reduced-cash fare, purchasing a 3-hour pass, a Day or Monthly pass, or 10-Ride Ticket Books at a discounted rate that are available for sale at sales outlets, online store, and from ticket vending machines at train stations.
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 SpecialDiscount@RTD-Denver.com or call 303-299-2968. There is no fee for replacement cards at this time.
Airport Fare
Airport/SkyRide
Airport/SkyRide 3-Hour Passes discounted fare is $5.25 regardless of where you board a SkyRide bus or A Line train with an airport destination/departure.
Airport/SkyRide 3-Hour Passes discounted youth fare is $3.20 regardless of where you board a SkyRide bus or A Line rail train with an airport destination/departure.