By Lanie Lee Cook | Fox 31 News
A pilot program offering free fares for RTD riders age 19 and younger is now permanent.
The RTD Board of Directors voted unanimously Tuesday night to continue the program after the one-year pilot, which began on Sept. 1 and was scheduled to end Aug. 31. The transit agency touted the benefits of the program, saying schools reported a reduction in truancy while young people were given transit to work and extracurricular activities without worry about fare costs.
“Zero Fare for Youth is helping RTD’s youngest customers understand how their new habits are aiding air quality in their communities and supporting their freedom to explore and gain independence,” RTD General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson said in a release. “RTD is also developing transit customers for life.”