It’s official – RTD’s fare free August saw a big increase in ridership

RTD’s transit system saw a 22% increase in ridership between July 2022 and August 2022, demonstrating that the August Zero Fare for Better Air program was a big success.

RTD’s program was funded primarily with money allocated by the state legislature through SB22-180 with RTD contributing the rest. Combined with over 30 other agencies that were also fare free in August, Colorado had the largest fare free program in the country.

“More people riding transit is a key strategy for our state to meet air pollution, safety and affordability goals,” said Danny Katz, CoPIRG Foundation executive director. “I applaud RTD for diving in and implementing this program so quickly, and the Governor and the legislature, including sponsors Senators Winter and Hinrichsen, and Representatives Bacon and Gray, for funding a significant part of the program. We need to build on this momentum and continue to expand the travel options people have.”