Denver RTD releases 2026 call for projects for Partnership Program funding 

The Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) has released its 2026 call for projects for participation in the agency’s Partnership Program, with $6 million available annually over a three-year period. Funding will be available for the years 2027-2029 for projects determined to help enhance local mobility.  

The agency notes the Partnership Program provides opportunities for local governments and transportation management associations/organizations (TMA/Os) within the agency’s service area to apply for funding for services or enhancements that complement existing transit services or fill a transit need. 

“The available funding announced as part of the latest call for projects is twice the amount allocated for 2025,” said Denver RTD General Manager and CEO Debra Johnson. “This increase reflects the strong community value provided by Partnership Program projects and the growing interest staff continues to receive from groups that have seen the meaningful impact of services funded during previous application cycles.”  

According to the agency, eligible organizations can apply for funding through 5:00 p.m. on April 29. Other entities interested in project funding must partner with an eligible organization to apply. Project selections are anticipated to be announced on July 15.  

Denver RTD says it will consider ideas for projects within the agency’s district boundaries, however, infrastructure projects are not eligible. Projects that seek the expansion or provision of transit services identified in the agency’s 2022-2027 System Optimization Plan are also ineligible for funding. 

A minimum 20% local match is required, and Denver RTD will commit up to three years of funding for selected projects, with a start date of 2027. Applicants can request funding for one, two or three years, depending on project needs. 

Program funding can aid community partners in creating transportation services designed to help better meet local mobility needs, as well as enable customers to better access agency bus stops and rail stations. 

Eligible projects include: 

• Fixed-route transit service – operating on a specific route. 
• On-demand transit service – demand responsive service operating in a specific area. 
• Other mobility service that does not fall into the above categories. 
• Other projects that enhance mobility through other means. 
• Funded projects from prior awards. 

This is the program’s fourth year, and this year, Denver RTD says it is offering additional Partnership Program funding given the success of previously funded transit options selected for their ability to improve customer access to mobility options across the service area. 

In 2025, the eight active on-demand and fixed route services supported through the Partnership Program collectively provided more than 300,000 boardings. The agency notes that by leveraging local partnerships, the program has strengthened service delivery and expanded system access across its service area, offering additional mobility options that respond to evolving travel needs while supporting the agency’s efforts to deliver cost-effective service during a challenging budget environment. 

Among the prior projects funded is the upcoming Westracks Shuttle, which will provide service during weekends and holidays between Memorial Day and Labor Day from the Jefferson County Government Center/Golden Station to the town of Morrison, Colo., including Red Rocks. In 2025, the Partnership Program also provided funding to the West Corridor TMA to launch a micromobility incentive pilot at the University of Denver and Knox light-rail stations. 

Other initiatives supported by prior Partnership Program call for projects include on-demand services such as RIDE Longmont, which launched in December 2024 to provide low-cost transit; the Denver Connector, which provides free microtransit services; and Brighton On-Demand Local Transit, which launched in November 2025. 

Applications will be evaluated on the following criteria: 

• Alignment with Denver RTD’s Strategic Plan 
• Local support and ability to meet local needs 
• Complements existing Denver RTD services 
• Provides service where there is a gap in existing service 
• Provides service to equity populations 
• Potential ridership 
• Project readiness