RTD launches third round of Partnership Program funding to support community transit needs

Virtual Q&A session available April 21 for applicants interested in applying; applications due May 14

DENVER (April 9, 2025) –– The Regional Transportation District (RTD) is releasing its Call for Projects Partnership Program on April 16, with $3 million available annually over a three-year period. Funding will be available for the years 2026-2028 for projects determined to help improve local mobility.

The Partnership Program provides an opportunity for local governments and transportation management associations/organizations (TMA/Os) within the district 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. Wednesday, May 14. RTD will hold a virtual Q&A session at 11 a.m. Monday, April 21, for those who have questions about the application process or project criteria. Other entities interested in the 2025 Partnership Program funding must partner with an eligible organization to apply. Selected projects will be announced on Aug. 1.

RTD will consider innovative ideas for projects within the agency’s district boundaries, however, infrastructure projects are not eligible. Projects that seek the expansion or provision of RTD services identified in the System Optimization Plan are also not eligible for funding. More details can be found on RTD’s Partnership Program page. 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 2026. Applicants can request funding for one, two or three years, depending on project needs.

RTD’s Partnership Program funding can aid community partners in creating transportation services designed to help better meet local mobility needs as well as enable customers to better access RTD bus stops and stations.

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

Prior projects RTD has funded from its Partnership Program include the Lone Tree Link-on-Demand from its 2023 and 2024 Calls for Projects. The Partnership Program has supported the expansion of the City of Englewood’s fixed route trolley that provides service between the Englewood D Line light rail stop through the HCA Health One and Craig Hospital medical centers and downtown Englewood. 

Other initiatives supported by prior Partnership Program Call for Projects include on-demand services such as RIDE Longmont, which launched in December 2024 to provide low-cost transit; Denver Connector, which provides free microtransit services; and support Smart Commute in establishing micromobility hubs at select locations.

Applications will be evaluated on the following criteria:

  • Alignment with RTD’s Strategic Plan – specifically, Community Value, Customer Excellence and Customer and Community Connections
  • 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 assistance on the application process, please contact Cory Schmitt at [email protected].

Written by Tara Broghammer