Zero Fare October & November
Ride Free with RFTA this Fall!
All regional routes from the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority will be free to ride October 1 through November 30, 2025 as part of a new pilot program
Find a convenient, more sustainable way to explore this fall. Whether you’re a frequent rider, new to public transportation, or somewhere in between, thanks to our partners, it’s never been easier to ride with RFTA.
All RFTA regional routes, including the Roaring Fork Valley Local, Hogback, and VelociRFTA BRT (excluding Maroon Bells*) are included in Zero Fare October & November. No need to purchase tickets ahead of time. Simply get on the bus at a designated stop and ride to your destination.
*Maroon Bells shuttles are not included as part of the Zero Fare October & November program and require reservations in advance.
New to RFTA?
Check out the following resources to ensure a smooth ride:
- Fall Riders Guide (PDF) Coming soon
- RFTA BusTracker
- Plan your Route
More rider resources are available here on our website. Check out the top menu under “Rider Resources” for a full list.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is RFTA funding Zero Fare October & November?
Zero Fare October & November is only possible due to RFTA’s member jurisdictions, who collectively committed $550,000 to offset lost fare revenue. Those contributing include:
Why is RFTA launching a Zero Fare pilot program?
Zero Fare October & November is an opportunity to both make transit more accessible and advance RFTA’s sustainability goals. During the pilot period, RFTA will collect and analyze data on ridership trends, park and ride usage, operational impacts, and customer feedback to guide future fare and service decisions.
Aren’t the buses already too busy?
Past data indicates that ridership is typically lower during the fall season. Running Zero Fare October & November will allow us to see how a fare-free service impacts ridership and encourage more people to use RFTA services. This will both introduce new riders to all the services RFTA offers and enhance the experience for our existing riders.
Will this cause service disruptions?
To ensure a smooth rollout, RFTA’s internal cross-departmental teams have been working closely to coordinate logistics and prepare for increased demand. Real-time dispatching systems will be used to continuously monitor passenger loads across the system and deploy additional resources as needed.
RFTA’s Operations team has confirmed that staffing levels are well-prepared to support this pilot. The organization is currently fully staffed for summer service and is projecting an Operator surplus going into the fall season. Ongoing training classes are scheduled to ensure continuity and readiness, including coverage for anticipated retirements or attrition. This robust staffing plan ensures RFTA has the flexibility to maintain reliable service and address any capacity needs throughout the months of October and November.
What if I bought a mobile ticket or season pass?
For questions related to ticket purchases, refunds, or seasonal zone passes, including price adjustments or credits, please contact RFTA customer service. You can also view our Seasonal Zone Passes which has updated pricing and details surrounding the Zero Fare months.
What happens when fares resume on December 1?
On December 1, RFTA will reinstate its regular fare system. Riders will need to pay the standard fare or use a valid RFTA pass/mobile ticket to board. Customers can purchase tickets or passes through the RFTA Tickets App, at ticket vending machines, or from authorized pass outlets. For any questions about fares or pass options, riders should contact RFTA Customer Service or visit www.rfta.com/fares for more information.
What if I have more questions?
For questions about the program or transit service, please contact RFTA customer service.