skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Sunday, February 16, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

Transportation Board to Decide New Fares

play audio
Play

Monday, July 24, 2023   

The Regional Transportation District is holding a public meeting tomorrow - to decide whether or not to adopt a new fare structure, change existing discount and pass programs, and pursue other initiatives aiming to make transit more accessible to people living in the eight counties served by the district.

Bill Sirois, senior manager of transit oriented communities with RTD, said the plan addresses the most common concerns raised by customers - that fares are too expensive and confusing.

"This was a very customer-centric process," said Sirois. "We did have an extensive amount of outreach that we have done over the last year. So we really do feel like we're responding to what we heard."

Currently, local fares are $3, and regional fares are $5.25. The new plan creates a single standard fare of $2.75 for a three hour window to go anywhere in the district, except Denver International Airport.

A-train tickets would also drop slightly to $10. RTD expects the impacts of any lost revenue to be minimal.

RTD currently gets just under 7% of revenue from fares, which would likely drop to 5%.

Sirois said the new plan should help more Coloradans who depend on public transportation get their groceries, get to work and make it to doctor's appointments.

Seniors, people with disabilities, low-income residents and others who qualify will see their fares lowered.

"It goes from $1.35 for a one-way ticket, or $2.70 to ride all day, and that includes the airport," said Sirois. "So those over 65 have a much more expanded access to our system under this new proposal."

Currently, a family of four earning up to $55,500 per year qualifies for a 40% discount. Under the new proposal, a family of four earning up to $75,000 would qualify for a 50% discount.

The plan provides grants to nonprofits to get tickets to people in crisis and those experiencing homelessness. There's also a pilot program to get more young people on board.

"All youth aged 19 and under can ride the RTD system for free through the end of August of next year," said Sirois, "for a whole year."




get more stories like this via email

more stories
In 2023, the Biden administration ordered a Bakersfield oil company to remove old oil rigs from Carrizo Plain National Monument in Central California. (Bob Wick/BLM)

Environment

play sound

Groups that fight to protect public lands are criticizing the Trump administration's new review of all oil, gas and mining on public lands. National …


Environment

play sound

This weekend, Virginians will participate with other birders around the world in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …

Environment

play sound

This weekend, birders across the world, including in Maryland, will participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …


A new study looking at drought impacts on grasslands found that such lands in China saw a 43% reduction in annual productivity, compared with just a 25% reduction in North America under the same conditions. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Grasslands are considered a vital component of South Dakota's landscape. But on the heels of new research, an expert suggests they might not fare as …

Social Issues

play sound

Minnesota is little less than a year away from launching its paid-leave law, but state lawmakers are debating whether to delay the start until 2027…

In its next contract, the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Program faculty union is looking for "reasonable" class sizes and for teachers to easily access remote learning tools when needed. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

A New York City music school's faculty is back in the classroom after a weeklong strike. The Manhattan School of Music's Precollege Program faculty …

Social Issues

play sound

A New York bill would require schools to teach about the Jan. 6 insurrection. The bill calls for all K-12 students to be taught about the event…

Health and Wellness

play sound

An Atlanta-based group is making sure more people have access to an unconventional but effective treatment for their moderate mental health challenges…

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021