RTD offers safe travels on ‘amateur night’

Molson Coors Beverage Co. is helping Denver-area party-goers celebrate responsibly with complimentary RTD Zero-Fare rides through the company’s long-standing New Year’s Eve Free Rides program. Thanks to a partnership with RTD, Denver-area revelers can take advantage of riding at no cost from 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31 to 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1 on all bus and rail services.

“To ensure that those celebrating in Denver have a reliable ride, we are excited to activate the Free Rides program once again across the U.S. this New Year’s Eve,” said Alison Hanrahan, community affairs manager, Molson Coors. “In collaboration with RTD, we are looking forward to fostering community and fellowship as we ring in the New Year.”

The Free Rides program began in 1988. Last year, the New Year’s Eve Free Rides program saw its highest ridership, with 200,000 people taking advantage of complimentary transit. Over the past three years, the New Year’s Eve program has experienced a 36% increase in ridership (the overall Free Rides program has grown by 62% during the last three years). The
program continues to grow and evolve, expanding to Charlotte last year and Washington, D.C. this year.

“As customers plan their celebrations to bring in the new year, transportation is a critical detail they will not have to worry about by using RTD’s services,” General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson said. “The agency’s longstanding partnership with Molson Coors enables the public to navigate the entirety of the transit system at no cost on this holiday evening.”

Through partnerships with local public transit, Molson Coors is also offering fare-free rides on New Year’s Eve for celebrators in Charlotte; Chicago; Dallas; Milwaukee; Phoenix; and Washington, D.C.

The New Year’s Eve Free Rides program marks the finale of this year’s Free Rides initiative, with more planned in 2025. In 2024, Molson Coors also sponsored Free Rides in 10 cities across the U.S. for events such as St. Patrick’s Day and various sporting events.

Those joining in the New Year’s Eve festivities are encouraged to plan ahead for a free ride to or
from their celebrations. Customers can visit the RTD website or the Next Ride app trip planning tool
to review routes and arrange transportation before the celebration begins