After suspending the CollegePass program in the fall because of the COVID-19 pandemic, RTD and the Auraria campus are partnering again to launch a new pilot program for the spring semester.

The program will give students from the Community College of Denver, Metropolitan State University and the University of Colorado Denver discounted, unlimited use of RTD’s bus and rail service during the semester.

“Public transportation is an important part of day-to-day life on the Auraria Campus, not just for students, but for our faculty and staff as well,” said Auraria CEO Colleen Walker.

“This renewed partnership with RTD shows our commitment to empowering our campus community members and ensuring equity.”

The new CollegePass pilot was passed in a referendum vote from the Auraria Campus’ student government, comprised of students from each of the three institutions.

“Access to the Auraria Campus, as a higher education destination, is crucial to thousands of people who rely upon its services for the betterment of their lives,” said RTD CEO Debra Johnson.

Johnson said the program is a solution to the financial constraints RTD and the Auraria campus are both facing during the pandemic, while also providing cost-effective modes of transportation for students.

Auraria students can choose to opt-in for the CollegePass directly through their institutions.