RTD accepting Transit Assistance Grant program applications in January 2025
DENVER (Dec. 20, 2024) –– The Regional Transportation District (RTD) is seeking applications from organizations and government agencies that serve clients with immediate transit needs for a Transit Assistance Grant (TAG) in 2025. Eligible organizations may submit applications from Jan. 3 to Jan. 31. The program will assist qualified organizations that serve clients with immediate needs by providing grants in the form of RTD fares. RTD has set aside $1 million for the TAG program to offer RTD fares at no cost to grant recipients who must distribute fare payment media to their clients or constituents for free.
RTD is continuing the TAG program following the success of its inaugural launch this year which awarded 181 area organizations with no cost fares for distribution to their clients or constituents. RTD initiated the grant program in response to the 2023 Systemwide Fare Study and Equity Analysis.
TAG is meant to fill the temporary gap for customers who have urgent transportation-related needs, and to provide organizations that serve these customers with time to educate and enroll clients in LiVE, RTD’s income-based fare discount program for eligible customers.
“The TAG program had a huge impact in 2024 positively affecting over 55,000 individuals,” RTD Manager of Market Development Theresa Rinker said. “We have heard from many of the nonprofit organizations that there is a great need in our community for no cost fares for those with immediate transit needs, including individuals awaiting enrollment in the agency’s LiVE program. We are so pleased to be able to offer this grant funding again in 2025.”
Informational webinars start in January
Organizations and agencies interested in learning more about the TAG program may attend one of two virtual events:
- Pre-application webinar: 1-2 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 2 – Join online
- Application support webinar: 1-2 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23 – Join online
Eligibility requirements
For consideration for TAG funding, an agency or organization must be a nonprofit designated as exempt from federal income tax under I.R.S. § 501(c)(3), and/or be a governmental community/social service agency and provide assistance to clients with immediate transportation needs, including:
- Individuals pending enrollment in RTD’s discounted LiVE program: Aids individuals who are applying/have applied for the RTD LiVE Program and awaiting formal approval. This may include individuals who use RTD to access training programs and employment services.
- Crisis Intervention: Fares will be used to transport individuals in crisis, such as domestic violence victims seeking shelter, to safe and supportive environments.
- Access to essential services: Provides vulnerable populations, such as seniors, people with disabilities, low-income individuals, newcomers and others with reliable transportation to access essential services like groceries, pharmacies, mental health and medical appointments.
- Homelessness support: Offers transportation solutions to help individuals experiencing homelessness access shelters, social services or employment opportunities.
- Emergency Support: Aids individuals experiencing a crisis or situation that threatens their personal safety; applies to time-bound emergent situations.
For additional details, visit the Transit Assistance Grant page on RTD’s website.
Selection criteria
A panel comprised of RTD staff will determine grant recipient selection based on clear and transparent evaluation criteria, including whether an organization:
- Has a nonprofit status, a partnership with a fiscal agent that has nonprofit status or is a government agency
- Serves the immediate-needs clients as described in the grant description
- Agrees to participate in a mandatory annual eligibility and documentation process that ensures recipients meet the program criteria
How to apply
For complete information about eligibility requirements and how to apply for the program, visit the Transit Assistance Grant or email RTD with questions. Applicants are encouraged to attend one of the informational webinars offered Jan. 2 and Jan. 23 as noted above.