RTD reduces rates, what it means for Longmont

The Regional Transportation District, or RTD, voted to reduce its rates beginning Jan. 1. 

When RTD General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson assumed her position three years ago she found the rates established by RTD confusing, she said. 

“I’m an individual that has worked at seven different transit agencies across the country. I’ve been in this space for more than three decades and I needed a decoder ring to figure out where do I need to go,” Johnson said.

Determined to learn more about the fare system’s impact on the greater community, Johnson engaged with customers, stakeholders, elected officials and staff. The conversations led her to conduct and equity assessment for the entire service area that focused on equity, accessibility and affordability. 

“This gave us an opportunity to step back and look at our fares holistically,” Johnson said.

The city of Longmont pays the RTD fees for its riders within the city limits each year. However, as people travel outside of Longmont will reap the benefits of the new fare system and simplification of the RTD system.

The standard fare for a three-hour ride will be $2.75 which is reduced by $1.35. Day passes have been reduced by $2.70 to the new cost of $5.50. The only area that is not reduced is passes to the airport which remain $10.

“I think if anything it (the fare reductions) will entice people to utilize the services because you don’t have to discern what zone you are in … When you are talking about the discretionary customer then one may opt to utilize the services even if it is one day a week and see how convenient it is,” Johnson said.