Q&A: RTD CollegePass Update for Auraria Campus Students

Q1: What is the new RTD CollegePass option for students? 

A1: RTD now offers a semester pass option, which students can purchase in the same way they bought the old CollegePass. The Spring 2025 RTD CollegePass will be available for $250 from January 2 and will be valid until May 31, 2025.   

Q2: Why has the price of the RTD CollegePass increased so much for the FY24-25 academic year? 

A2: RTD raised the price of the traditional CollegePass by 128% from last year. This significant increase would have forced the CollegePass to increase to over $400/semester for students, which was not a viable option. The decision to move to a new semester pass option was jointly reviewed and negotiated by Auraria Campus, RTD, MSU Denver, Community College of Denver, and the University of Colorado Denver. 

Q3: How much will the new pass cost me, and how is Auraria Campus helping with the increase?  

A3: RTD charges $70 per month per pass. However, Auraria Campus will subsidize $20 per month to help cover some of the increase. This means you’ll pay $250 for the Fall 2024 semester, which is less than what you would have paid without the subsidy. Additionally, pro-rated amounts will go into effect as we progress throughout the semester. Please contact the ID Station for more information. 

Q4: Why didn’t Auraria Campus continue with the previous CollegePass program? 

A4: The price increase from RTD, coupled with the temporary shutdown of the Colfax station due to the Downtown Rail Project, made the old CollegePass system unsustainable for the 2024-25 academic year. The ridership numbers from last year also didn’t justify continuing with that program, leading to the decision to move to the new semester pass. 

Q5: Who is eligible for the RTD CollegePass? 

A5: You are eligible if you are an Auraria Campus student registered for the current semester and have a valid Auraria Campus student ID. 

Q6: How do I activate my RTD Mobile CollegePass? 

A6: Skip the line and go online! Acquire the RTD app and activate your Student CollegePass on your phone by following the directions available on the Auraria Campus website.  

Q7: Are you 19 years old or younger and why is that important?   

A7: If you’re 19 or younger, you qualify to ride free, so you won’t need to pay for the new semester pass. Just show proof of age when you ride.

Q8: What benefits does the RTD Mobile CollegePass provide?   

A8: The RTD Mobile CollegePass gives you access to trains, buses, and trips to and from the airport. It offers the same benefits as the previous CollegePass.