Denver metro young people will be able to use all Regional Transportation District services at no cost from now on.

The RTD Board of Directors voted Tuesday to make the free fare program permanent to give youth ages 19 and under access to transportation to make their lives easier while contributing to ozone reductions. Youths will need to present a valid student or government-issued ID to use all RTD services at no cost.

“The one-year pilot program initially launched on Sept. 1, 2023, to provide affordable, equitable and simplistic transit options for youth. The pilot was based on a key recommendation from the agency’s fare study and equity analysis,” said a news release announcing the permanent change.

A full list of acceptable ID options can be found on the Zero Fare for Youth webpage.

“Since Zero Fare for Youth began last year, my team and I have heard directly from the public that the program has proven to be a game-changer, enabling youth to have access to schools, work and extracurricular activities without the concern of how they will pay their fares,” General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson said. “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 is also developing transit customers for life.”