RTD recently rolled out Tap-n-Ride, a new contactless payment option designed to give customers a quicker and more seamless way to pay fare on buses and trains. Customers can now tap a Visa or Mastercard credit, debit, or prepaid card at any validator and board immediately. Mobile wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Pay are also accepted. The system was built to support RTD’s efforts to modernize fare payment.

Tap-n-Ride adds security and convenience without replacing existing payment methods. By linking cards to a MyRide account, customers can benefit by being able to view trip history, receive automatic fare capping, as well as discounted fares where eligible as more people use the feature. RTD will continue gathering feedback next year, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to improving every step of the trip.

Service Updates

January service changes restoring rail service

Be on the lookout for service changes next month which are scheduled to take effect on Sunday, Jan. 4. The update will reinstate the L Line, and restore regular travel patterns for the D and H lines following the completion of the most recent phase of the Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project.



Customers are encouraged to visit Service Changes for updates and plan for any changes that may affect their trips.

RnR_Dec image

RTD has completed its 86-day reconstruction of the light rail crossing at Kalamath Street and Colfax Avenue on schedule, marking a major milestone in the multi-year Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project. Crews rebuilt the crossing from the ground up as part of a $152 million investment to modernize aging track and deliver a smoother, more reliable ride for customers. 

The work sets the stage for the next phases beginning in 2026, including reconstruction along Colfax Avenue, additional Downtown Loop track sections, and design work on Welton Street. RTD will continue sharing updates as planning for these next steps is finalized.

Watch recap of reconstruction below

Downtown Rail Reconstruction: Kalamath Complete

Increased train frequency downtown for holiday service

With construction completed at Kalamath, RTD has begun operating light rail through the Downtown Loop with a special holiday service. Now through Jan. 3, customers can ride special service every 15 minutes between I-25•Broadway and 30th•Downing stations, offering a convenient way to reach downtown events, shopping, and seasonal activities.

Current temporary rail patterns will remain in place until January service changes take effect on Jan. 4, when regular D, H, and L line operations resume.

News Stop Extra: Easy options for holiday travel

Traveling to Denver International Airport this holiday season is easier with RTD’s A Line and SkyRide buses, offering reliable service without the stress of traffic or parking.


The A Line continues to deliver strong on-time performance and frequent trips, while SkyRide routes provide convenient connections from communities across the region, complete with space for luggage. Customers can plan ahead with the Next Ride app and check for nearby Park-n-Ride locations.

Ride RTD to Christkindlmarket at Auraria Campus

Christkindlmarket is celebrating its 25th anniversary in a new home at Auraria Campus’ Tivoli Quad. RTD makes it easy to get there with rail and bus connections from across the metro area.


Customers can find the best ways to travel by typing “Christkindlmarket ” into the Next Ride trip planner to see all available routes and real-time options.

Zero Fare on NYE helps customers travel responsibly

RTD will once again offer Zero Fare for New Year’s Eve, providing no-cost bus and rail rides from 7 p.m. Dec. 31 through 7 a.m. Jan. 1. The program, sponsored by Molson Coors, aims to support safe travel during holiday celebrations. Service will follow a regular Sunday and holiday schedule, with extra rail cars added where available.


Customers should check Next Ride for final departure times, as not all buses and trains run up to or past midnight.

New action plan to strengthen customer experience

RTD has introduced a Customer Experience and Transit Utilization Action Plan featuring 59 tactics designed to improve service reliability and customers' journey.

The seven-month plan reflects feedback from customers, employees, and the Board of Directors while aligning with the agency’s Strategic Plan and Annual Scorecard. Several tactics are already in progress, including enhancements to pass programs, a new mobile app, and leadership ride-alongs to better understand customer needs.

Security Enhancements and Public Safety

Latest report shows fewer security calls, continued strong safety performance

RTD continued to see improvements in system safety in October, with security-related calls for service down 6.2 percent and customer reports of illicit drug activity down more than 37 percent year-over-year. Transit Police completed more than 460,000 rail fare checks across the system that month and recorded fewer than 100 criminal incident reports.

Transit Watch Tip

Holiday travel is safer when customers stay alert and connected. RTD’s Transit Watch app offers a quick, easy, and anonymous way to report safety concerns directly to Transit Police, from suspicious activity to hazards like icy stairways.


Customers can call or text Transit Watch anytime. The app is also available in Spanish. Download the app for free from Google Play or Apple App Store.


In Memoriam

Remembering State Senator Faith Winter

RTD is mourning the death of Colorado State Sen. Faith Winter, a dedicated champion for transit and improved mobility statewide. Winter, who served constituents in Adams, Broomfield, and Weld counties, chaired the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee and co-sponsored SB21-260, a key measure modernizing Colorado's transportation funding.


RTD extends its condolences to her family and colleagues who are grieving her loss.

Building a More Equitable System

Federally funded study to rethink underused Park-n-Rides

RTD is taking a closer look at how eight Park-n-Rides with low use could better serve communities, thanks to a $400,000 technical assistance grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Build America Bureau. The study will explore whether some of these sites could support affordable housing or other community-focused development while still meeting long-term transit parking needs. By evaluating multiple stations at once, RTD’s Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) team can assess neighborhood context, infrastructure needs, financing tools, and development feasibility with a level of detail not previously possible.



The work aligns with new state legislation and RTD’s updated Equitable TOD Policy, which allows the agency to encourage deeply affordable and accessible housing near transit. No redevelopment decisions have been made, and findings are expected in late 2026 to help shape next steps.

Miss this update? Stay in the loop with the latest RTD news and insights with "3 Things to Know." Every week, we bring you three key stories shaping the metro Denver transit landscape.

Brighton launches BOLT to expand on-demand transit

RTD, the City of Brighton, and community leaders are celebrating the launch of Brighton On-Demand Local Transit (BOLT) service. Not to be confused with RTD’s regional Route BOLT, the Brighton BOLT offers a new transit option connecting customers to FlexRide, as well as RTD route 120L, 145X, 520, and RX.

The service was made possible through $1.8 million in RTD partnership funding and is being awarded to the City of Brighton over the next three years. The fully accessible vehicles operate 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, and trips can be reserved through a dedicated mobile app.

Stories from Our Communities

One ‘wheely ’ unusual commute

Eric Moore has one of the most creative commutes in the region. Traveling from Broomfield to the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, he mixes the Flatiron Flyer, biking, and even unicycling to get to work efficiently and affordably. His EcoPass helps him skip traffic and parking costs, while Bike-n-Ride shelters give him secure storage when he needs it. What started as a practical, multimodal trip has also become a source of fitness and fun.

Whether Moore’s avoiding I-25 delays, or staying on track after an injury, his story highlights how transit combined with first- and final-mile options create room for creativity and personal well-being.

Latest arch lift party celebrates BRT progress

Colfax Avenue neighbors and project partners gathered to watch the Elm Street arch lift the week of Thanksgiving, marking another visible milestone in the East Colfax BRT buildout.

The new steel arches are part of a series of 21-foot-tall station canopies that signal progress toward the project’s 2027 debut, when faster, more accessible service will connect thousands of jobs and services along East Colfax. Attendees enjoyed local food, shared photos using #webackthefax for Colfax Cash prizes, and celebrated the continued community partnership that is helping bring center-running BRT with frequent service to the corridor.

Fax Pass program supports East Colfax businesses

As East Colfax BRT construction moves forward, a new program is launching to encourage visits to local businesses. Participants can grab a We Back the Fax Pass, collect stickers for purchases, and redeem them for awards. Pass details are available by clicking the link below.

Visit with Santa Claus at Littleton•Downtown Station



  • Saturday, Dec. 13
  • 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Gingerbread Cookie Delight at Downtown Boulder Station



  • Wednesday, Dec. 17
  • 3:30–5 p.m.

Operator of the month — Frank Sintas

Frank Sintas from Boulder Division is December's Operator of the Month. He was recognized for coordinating with bus dispatch to secure an overflow bus after a vehicle reached capacity, ensuring stranded customers reached their destinations with minimal delay. Frank's quick-thinking and customer-first attitude continues to make a positive difference on the road.

Recurring Updates

Board of Directors meetings

 

• Study Session – Dec. 9, 4 p.m.


Check the Board of Directors calendar for current information and a full list of Board events. 

 

Join RTD Board meetings via Zoom, YouTube


The RTD Board's committee meetings, study sessions and monthly meetings are available live on Zoom, using a Chrome or Firefox browser. Meetings are also streamed via RTD’s YouTube channel. For links, agendas and more, visit the Board’s meeting portal.

Rad Things (to) Do in December

The seasonal sounds of Mariah Carey are in the air, and Santa's squeezing in his last-minute Denver visits which can only mean one thing: Mile High Holidays are here! RTD is doing the driving so you can soak up every concert, light display, and festive performance without the parking headache.


December is packed with holly-jolly happenings, including special holiday events accessible by RTD's Holiday Train. Dive into the merry lineup to see what's on track next, and wrap up the year with the final Rad Things (to) Do of 2025.

Traveler Tips

Safety tip: Safe Toys and Gifts Month

The holiday season brings plenty of excitement, but it also brings a surge in toy-related injuries. December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month, a good reminder to slow down, read the fine print, and choose gifts that keep kids safe long after the wrapping paper is gone. 

  1. Check labels for age recommendations and safety certifications before buying
  2. Avoid toys with small parts, magnets, or button batteries for young children
  3. Choose sturdy, non-toxic toys from reputable retailers and check for recalls
  4. Provide helmets and protective gear for scooters or riding toys
  5. Discard plastic wrap and packaging immediately after opening to prevent choking hazards

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