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

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Close-up on woman in white and blue striped knee-length dress standing next to mint green cruiser bike resting against low wrought iron fence in front of green lawn.

Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.

1 hour ago - domus

Close-up of man in manually operated wheelchair waiting at urban crosswalk.

Making Mobility More Inclusive

A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.

2 hours ago - Greater Good Magazine

US and Texas flags flying in front of Texas state capitol dome in Austin, Texas.

Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness

A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.

3 hours ago - The Texas Tribune