Denver, Utah transit agencies begin studies of fare policies

The Regional Transportation District of Denver (RTD) and Utah Transit Authority (UTA) have begun studies of their policies for calculating and charging fares.

Both agencies are soliciting public input on existing policies and how they might be improved.

The RTD's study will evaluate how fares are calculated based on distance, zones and class of service. Officials are asking riders to let them know about their experiences using the RTD fare system and products, such as traveling through multiple zones, transferring from bus to rail or using ticket upgrades, according to a notice on RTD's website.

RTD will use the study to evaluate and identify problems with the fare structure and determine necessary improvements, particularly as the system continues to grow, officials said.

Meanwhile, UTA officials are looking into how the agency's fare policies can be improved. The study will evaluate not only fare prices, but how fares are collected and what mechanisms for fare collection might work better.

The primary goals of the process are to examine current fare policy for possible improvement; identify a fare policy that will encourage ridership while maintaining revenue; and examine the feasibility of distance-based fares. After gathering the initial research, UTA officials will seek additional input from the public prior to making recommendations to UTA's board.

Both UTA and RTD are soliciting public comments through links on their websites.