RTD launches second round of special project funding to support community mobility needs

John Gardocki

RTD releases its second Call for Projects today, with $2 million available annually for a three-year period beginning January 2025 for projects that will help improve mobility. The program provides an opportunity for local governments and transportation management associations/organizations (TMA/Os) to apply for funding for services or enhancements that complement existing RTD services or fill a transportation need.

Eligible organizations can apply for RTD partnership funding through 5 p.m. Monday, June 3, 2024. RTD will hold a virtual Q&A session at 11 a.m. Monday, May 6, 2024, for those who have questions about the application process or project criteria. Other entities interested in the 2024 Partnership Program funding must partner with an eligible organization to apply. Selected projects will be announced in August 2024.

RTD will consider all innovative ideas for projects within the agency’s district boundaries, however, infrastructure projects are not eligible. Full details can be found on the Partnership Program page of the RTD website. A minimum 20% local match is required, and RTD will commit up to three years of funding for selected projects, with a start date of 2025. Applicants can request funding for one, two or three years, depending on project needs. 

Eligible projects include:

  • Fixed-route transit service – operating on a specific route
  • On-demand transit service – demand responsive service operating in a specific area
  • Other mobility service that does not fall into the above categories
  • Other projects that enhance mobility through other means

“As municipalities along the Front Range grow, the commonality among them is that each desires more localized service to meet that community’s mobility needs,” General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson said. “The Regional Transportation District is eager to partner with local jurisdictions and TMA/Os to identify potential projects that supplement transit service or enhance mobility through local partnerships. The inaugural Call for Projects in 2023 affirmed high demand for viable mobility solutions across the region. The second round of funding offered this year enables local governments and TMA/Os to think more broadly and longer-term as they bring forth proposals for consideration.”

Applications will be evaluated on criteria that will consider the following factors:

  • Alignment with RTD’s strategic priorities of community value and customer excellence 
  • Local support and ability to meet local needs
  • Complements existing RTD services 
  • Provides service where there is a gap in existing service 
  • Provides service to equity populations
  • Potential ridership
  • Project readiness

For technical assistance on the application process, please contact RTD Partnerships Project Manager John Gardocki at [email protected].

By John Gardocki