Eco Pass Program

What is the Eco Pass?

The Eco Pass is an annual bus pass, valid through Dec. 31 of the current year. It is purchased by employers for full-time employees, with an option to include part-time employees. With a photo ID card, employees are entitled to unlimited rides on most regular RTD transit services and will only pay $2.50 for SkyRide service to Denver International Airport (DIA).

The Eco Pass also includes the Guaranteed Ride Home program, which guarantees any individual with an Eco Pass a free taxi ride home if they got to work using any transportation option (bus, bike, car/vanpool, etc.) and have to leave work to address an unplanned emergency.

Employees can use the Eco Pass on:

• Boulder's Community Transit Network - HOP, SKIP, JUMP, BOUND, DASH, STAMPEDE and BOLT;
• any local, express or regional RTD bus;
• the "N" bus route to Eldora Mountain Resort;
• Light Rail; and
• Call-n-Ride. 

Eco Passes for Businesses and Neighborhoods

• Business Eco Pass
• Neighborhood Eco Pass (NECO Pass)
• Downtown Boulder Eco Pass 

Benefits of the Eco Pass

• Employee morale and productivity increase due to reduced stress, fewer late arrivals and the ability to work while commuting.
• Companies improve their ability to recruit the most skilled employees by expanding access to employees throughout the region.
• Employers save money through tax benefits and reduced overhead costs associated with parking expenses and mileage reimbursements.
• Employees save money and time spent for gas, parking, car maintenance, etc.
• The community benefits from less air pollution and reduced traffic congestion. 
• Eco Pass Extra

Pricing

The price of a business' employee Eco Pass program is based on the following criteria:

• the number of employees; and
• the availability of transit services near the business location. 

To help estimate the cost of Eco Passes for your company, visit www.BoulderEcoPass.com/pricing.html.

If you are in the Downtown Boulder district, please visit the Downtown Boulder Eco Pass page or contact  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  at 303-413-7316.

Eco Pass Reimbursements

GO Boulder will offer a reimbursement for any Eco Pass contract to employers who have an employee that chooses to participate in GO Boulder's Employee Transportation Coordinator network. Discounts are based on your business' RTD contract. In addition, your company may be required to distribute a before-and-after transportation survey to employees, including some type of Eco Pass promotion. Please visit www.BoulderEcoPass.com or contact  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  for more information. 

Companies With More Than 10 Employees
GO Boulder will rebate 50 percent of a company's first year contract and 25 percent of the second year contract for companies with 10 or more employees. The subsidies are given from January through March of each year.

Companies With One to Nine Employees
GO Boulder will reimburse $60 per employee for a company of one to nine employees for their first year contract and $30 per employee for their second year contract (not to exceed 50 percent of the first year contract cost or 25 percent of the second year contract cost). These reimbursements are given from January through March of each year.

These reimbursements will be applied to a business' RTD Eco Pass contract. Read the Official GO Boulder Business Eco Pass Rebate Policy.

Boulder County Eco Pass Support Program

Boulder County also supports businesses and neighborhoods that sign up for the RTD Eco Pass program. As part of a federal grant to extend frequent and convenient transit service to Boulder County, the program offers discounts of up to 60 percent. For more information, visit Boulder County's Eco Pass page or contact  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  at 303-441-4958.

Eco Pass Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I purchase the Eco Pass for myself of family members?
A: No, the Eco Pass can only be purchased by employers for their employees as a group employee benefit package. Family members are not eligible; however, there is a Neighborhood Eco (NECO) Pass Program.

Q: Can Eco Passes be purchased only for employees who ride the bus?
A: No, employers must purchase one pass for every full-time employee at a given work site. A business can choose to either exclude or include all part-time employees as well. Eco Passes are more economical per employee than purchasing monthly bus passes. The Eco Pass encourages employees who don't use transit to become first-time riders.

Q: Is an Eco Pass less expensive than a monthly pass?
A: Yes! In 2010, it may cost over $1900/year to purchase a regional monthly pass.

Q: What if I terminate my employment?
A: Your Eco Pass is only good as long as you are an employee of an Eco Pass employer. All passes must be returned to your employer upon termination, or employees/employers may be assessed a fee for non-return.

Q: What if I lose my pass?
A: Report your lost pass to your employer as soon as possible.Lost passes cost $25 for a first-time replacement and $50 for a second. RTD will charge you for the lost/stolen pass when you obtain your replacement pass. If your pass is stolen and you present a police report to RTD, the fee for a first-time replacement will be reduced to $5. You will be required to pay a fee to your employer if your pass is lost upon termination.

Q: How does the City of Boulder subsidize the Eco Pass Program?
A: GO Boulder/City of Boulder will offer a rebate on any Eco Pass contract to employers who have an employee on staff that participates in GO Boulder's ETC network. Please visit the ETC page for more information.

Last Updated on Thursday, 16 May 2013 11:12