First, check out www.rtd-denver.com, the Regional Transportation District’s extremely user-friendly homepage for routes, fares and other pertinent info. If you’re craving the personal touch, however, you can call the RTD TelephoneInformation Center. Just tell the experts there where you want to catch the bus, where you want to go and when you want to get there. They’ll help you plan your trip (including your return home), complete with route numbers, fares and answers to any questions you might have. Note: the Information Center is open weekdays from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
All bus stops have red and white signs that list each bus route that stops at that location, so double check for your route number. Take note, there’s a good chance that your return bus stop is located right across the street. As the bus approaches, check the electronic sign above the windshield to make sure this is indeed the bus you want. Wait for the bus to come to a full stop. The doors will open and you can hop on!
Drivers do NOT carry or make change – so make sure you have exact change (bills or coins) or a pass before you get on the bus. If you need to change buses to get to your final destination, ask the driver for a transfer slip, which will get you on to your next bus. RTD offers a variety of PassAdvantage fare programs, saving you money off regular cash fares. By purchasing passes or ticket books in advance, you will not have to worry about having exact change available every time you ride the bus. Check www.rtd-denver.com for details.
The driver will announce stops over the loudspeaker, so wait until you hear yours. You may need to pull the “Stop Requested” cord above your head to let the driver know you want to get off. Exit the bus through the rear door if the bus has two doors. Always wait for the bus to leave before you cross the street, and never walk in front of the bus.