RTD customers can celebrate responsibly with Zero Fare for New Year’s Eve

DENVER (Dec. 29, 2024) – For the 16th year, the Regional Transportation District (RTD)is partnering with Molson Coors to provide Zero Fare for New Year’s Eve, a program that encourages Denver metro area residents and visitors to welcome the new year responsibly. All RTD bus and rail routes – as well as Access-a-Ride and FlexRide services – will be provided at no cost to customers from 7 p.m. Dec. 31 through 7 a.m. Jan. 1.

“As customers plan their celebrations to bring in the new year, transportation is a critical detail they won’t have to worry about by using RTD,” General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson said. “The agency’s longstanding partnership with Molson Coors enables the public to navigate the entirety of the transit system at no cost on this holiday evening.”

“To ensure that those celebrating in Denver have a reliable ride, we are excited to activate the Free Rides program once again across the U.S. this New Year’s Eve,” saidMolson Coors Community Affairs Manager Alison Hanrahan. “In collaboration with RTD, we are looking forward to fostering community and fellowship as we ring in the New Year.”

Since Molson Coors began its Free Rides program in 1988, over 8 million people have benefited from complimentary rides in communities with mass transit services. In addition to Denver, the program is being offered this year in partnership with local transit agencies in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Milwaukee, Phoenix and Washington D.C.

RTD customers canuse RTD’sNext Ride apptrip planning tool to plan travelon New Year’s Eve and review final departure times for commuter rail, light rail and bus services. RTD will operateregular Monday-Thursday service on New Year’s Eve. To plan trips and find route and schedule information, visit rtd-denver.com and access “Plan a Trip” or download RTD’s Next Ride mobile app. 

 The city and county of Denver is hosting two fireworks shows on the 16th Street Mall, at 9 p.m. and midnight, that will affect RTD operations.Free MallRide service will operate a normal schedule on New Year’s Eve as crowds allow but will pause service during both fireworks shows. Starting at 8 p.m., the D and H lines will not operate north of Theatre District•ConventionCenter Station and service on the L Line will be suspended. 

Customers are urged to check schedules and use the RTD Next Ride app for final bus and train departures as some services will not operate after midnight.

 Final trains from Denver Union Station:

• A Line: 1 a.m.
• B Line: 1:09 a.m.
• E Line: 11:55 p.m. 
• G Line: 1:01 a.m. 
• N Line: 1:26 a.m.
• W Line:11:52 p.m. 

 Final trains from Theatre District•Convention Center Station:

• D Line: 12 a.m. 
• H Line: 12:05 a.m.

 Final bus departures from downtown Denver:

• Free MallRide:
• Final departure from Union Station at 11:52 p.m. 
• Final departure from Civic Center Station at 12:20 a.m.
• Route 83L: Departs Civic Center Station Gate 5 at 12:10 a.m., after which the station will close 
• Route 15: Departs Union Station at 12:14 a.m. with the Union Station Bus Concourse closing at 12:45 a.m.

New Year’s Day, Jan. 1,RTD services will operate on a holiday schedule and fare collection will resume at 7 a.m. 

During this festive time, RTD appreciates its customers being mindful of the Respect the Ride code of conduct and being kind to the agency’s operators and customers for a welcoming transit environment.

RTD in partnership with Molson Coors wish the community a safe and happy New Year’s Eve.