Boulder Transportation Connections and the Regional Transportation District (RTD) are excited to partner on Zero Fare for Better Air, a collaborative, statewide initiative designed to reduce ground-level ozone by increasing use of public transit. During the month of August, customers can ride RTD with zero fare. This program is made possible by Colorado Senate Bill 22-180 and in partnership with the Colorado Energy Office.
Riding transit promotes cleaner air. Approximately 84% of the greenhouse gas emissions that come from transportation are due to day-to-day commutes. By leaving the car at home, a person can save up to 20 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions every day. Some of the additional benefits of using transit include cost savings, gas savings, traffic reduction, time savings, time savings and stress reduction making a daily commute better for all.
There are many ways to take advantage of Zero Fares for Better Air in August. Transit can, of course, be used for daily work commute, but RTD also offers services that make connections to entertainment and sports venues, schools, and popular shopping and restaurants districts.
To learn how to hop on board to participate in Zero Fare for Better Air, visit rtd-denver.com/zerofare.com. When out and about taking advantage of Zero Fares, snap a photo and post on social media using the hashtag #zerofare or #betterair
See below for answers to common questions about Zero Fare for Better Air in August:
Do RTD customers and pass holders need to pay a fare in August?
No. Current and new RTD customers will benefit as they will not have to use or purchase fare products from August 1-31, 2022, during Colorado’s high ozone season. Current business and educational customers with questions about potential pass program credits should contact zerofare@rtd-denver.com
Are all RTD services available at zero fare during this initiative?
Yes, all RTD services will be available at zero fare. Just hop on board the bus or train.
What about special services like Access-a-Ride?
Certified Access-a-Ride customers will also benefit from a zero fare during Zero Fare for Better Air. Customers can book in advance as they normally do.
What is RTD’s goal with the Zero Fare for Better Air initiative?
RTD welcomes current, past, and new customers to take RTD at zero fare during August and help in reducing the number of vehicles on the road to achieve all the benefits outlined below and more. This campaign also provides the opportunity to welcome back those whose travel habits have changed because of the pandemic.
What are the benefits of Zero Fare for Better Air for RTD customers?
In addition to taking RTD at zero fare during August, RTD customers experience all the environmental, financial, lifestyle and community benefits of transit, including the following:
- Save money
Taking the bus and train saves on car expenses including maintenance, parking, and tolls, which add up quickly. A household can save nearly $10,000 annually by taking public transportation and living with one less car. - Save gas
With gas hovering around $5 per gallon, switching to public transit frees up additional funds in customers’ everyday budgets. In addition, public transportation saves the United States an estimated 6 billion gallons of gas each year! - Reduce traffic
Taking public transit removes vehicles from roadways, limiting traffic congestion, air pollution, and ground-level ozone - Reduce stress
Taking public transit eliminates the stress and anxiety of battling everyday traffic. Leave the driving to RTD! - Save time
While taking public transit, customers can catch up on reading, emails, podcasts, or just sit back and relax. - Improve air quality
Transportation is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions causing climate change. Using public transit creates 84% less carbon emissions than driving a car. That is a savings of 63 million metric tons annually.