Boulder Launches ‘Zero Fare for Better Air’

The Colorado city will make public transit free during the month of August to boost ridership and reduce emissions.

1 minute read

July 25, 2022, 9:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Blue Boulder bus with people boarding

City of Boulder / Boulder bus

Last week, the City of Boulder and the Regional Transportation District (RTD) announced Zero Fare for Better Air, “a collaborative, statewide initiative designed to reduce ground-level ozone by increasing use of transit,” according to a press release from the city.

“Through a partnership with the Colorado Energy Office, made possible by Colorado Senate Bill 22-180, RTD will offer zero fares on all services during the month of August. The City of Boulder is also partnering with Via Mobility Services to provide zero-fare service on the local Boulder HOP bus route.” The one-month program aims to encourage more Boulder residents to try local public transportation options. In addition to eliminating up to 20 pounds of daily carbon dioxide emissions by switching to public transit, “A household can save nearly $10,000 by taking public transportation and living with one less car.”

“The city’s 2019 Transportation Master Plan (TMP) recommends zero fare for local and regional transit services as a strategy to enhance equity, promote access to opportunity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through modal shift and increased transit ridership.”

Wednesday, July 20, 2022 in City of Boulder

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Front of White House with stormy sky above.

How the Trump Presidency Could Impact Urban Planning

An analysis of potential changes in federal housing, transportation, and climate policies.

January 19, 2025 - Planetizen

Close-up of person on bike wearing backpack riding on city street.

Research Affirms Safety of ‘Idaho Stop’

Allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs does not negatively impact safety and can help people on bikes more effectively navigate roadways.

January 14, 2025 - Streetsblog California

String lights across an alley in Cranford, New Jersey at night.

Midburbs: A New Definition of Suburbs

When the name “suburb” just doesn't quite fit.

January 17, 2025 - Gabe Bailer - PP - AICP - NJ Urbanthinker

View up at high-rise buildings in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.

Midtown Manhattan Rezoning Proposal Could Yield Almost 10,000 Housing Units

A plan to alter zoning for parts of Midtown would permit new housing and make it easier to convert office buildings to residential units.

45 minutes ago - The New York Times

Aerial view of residential buildings in Koreatown, Los Angeles with downtown skyline in background

The Urban Heat Divide: Addressing LA’s Thermal Inequities

LA's thermal inequities leave low-income, minority neighborhoods disproportionately hotter and more vulnerable, prompting advocacy and policy efforts to address these disparities through green infrastructure and equitable climate investments.

January 21 - Los Angeles Downtown News

View of black oil wells behind chain link fence with barbed wire top

Healing the Land: Collaborative Effort to Reclaim Orphan Well Sites

The Well Done Foundation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are partnering to plug over 110 orphan wells across four National Wildlife Refuges, restoring habitats, protecting ecosystems, and reducing methane emissions.

January 21 - PRNewswire