RTD patrons now have a new way to avoid paper tickets or cash payments to ride the agency’s trains and buses—a “mobile ticket” that is purchased with a credit card using the free “RTD Mobile Tickets” app for Apple or Android devices. The mobile ticketing app, which should accelerate boarding procedures, supports purchase of a daylong pass within a selected fare category (Local or Regional/Airport). One-way ticket purchases are not available on the app. The day pass expires at 2:59am on the day after purchase, whether or not the electronic ticket is used. RTD spokesperson Tina Jaquez says the agency hopes to refine the service next year to allow tickets to be purchased in advance of the day one wants to travel.

Using the app to buy a ticket:

• On the day of travel, select the ticket type (choose regular or discount fare, also choose single or enter number of tickets).
• Enter credit card information (as of our test, if you then choose to read the terms and conditions, it wipes out your credit card info, so read terms first), choose whether to save the card.
• Approve the transaction amount and a “Transaction Successful” screen appears.
• Go to the Ticket Wallet and tap the name of the pass just purchased.
• Wait until just before boarding, then choose “Activate Ticket.”
• Show activated ticket(s) to the fare inspector. An activated ticket displays a moving timestamp to help prevent taking a screenshot of a ticket and sharing it with someone else or otherwise using tickets fraudulently.

The mobile ticket is available for day pass purchases on all regular RTD services, but not special services such as BroncosRide or Access-a-Ride. Tickets cost the same as cash, and normal discounts are available (e.g., seniors, children, active military). Purchased tickets do not need cell phone or Wi-Fi services to be displayed.

Up to 10 tickets per ticket type may be obtained in a single purchase, with a maximum of 20 tickets per ticket type in a day. Tickets for each passenger must be activated before boarding an RTD vehicle. Email receipts are available for all mobile ticketing purchases.

The “Trip Planner” function enables users to enter starting and ending locations to find the best route using RTD bus and train services.

The “Next Ride” function allows users to enter a route, stop or station to see the next scheduled bus or train.

The RTD Mobile Tickets app, first available in October, joins the “MyRide” service that RTD that debuted in May. With MyRide, transit riders load a card with up to $200 and tap it on a validator before boarding a bus or train. MyRide purchases are valid for unlimited one-way trips within that direction of travel and a selected fare category (Local or Regional/Airport) during a three-hour transfer window. Each rider must have their own card.