Smart Card Bus Pass
RTD Smart Card Frequently Asked Questions:
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This FAQ should answer the majority of your questions concerning using your RTD Smart Card bus pass. If you have additional concerns or questions please e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For additional information feel free to visit RTD's website.
How do I ride over the summer if I'm not enrolled in courses?
RTD is diligently working on upgrading their Smart Card system to allow student cards to be temporarily suspended on May 31 and then be remotely reactivated on August 5, 2103. This should provide ample time for students (who aren't enrolled in summer courses) to use their bus pass to ride to and from the airport free of charge after the Spring Semester and before the Fall Semester. If you aren't enrolled in summer courses, but would like to purchase an optional bus pass for the summer you can do so for $85 at the Buff OneCard office in C4C. Check back for the most recent status. (edited 5/7/13)
Where and when can I get my new smart card?
The Buff OneCard office at C4C. Beginning on January 31, 2013 you must have your Smart Card if you wish to ride RTD buses.
What is the smart card?
A separate card that all students, faculty and staff will carry in addition to their Buff One card. The card has an electronic tag in it that will serve as your pass to ride on the RTD system.
How do I use the card?
All RTD buses will be equipped with a smart card reader. All you need to do is lightly tap your card against the reader. The reader will then blink a yellow light to confirm that your card is active. Show the driver your card and then board the bus. Here are more in-depth instructions.
Will my personal rides be tracked by any organization?
No, securing your privacy is a matter of our greatest concern. Neither RTD nor CU will have access to any individual’s ridership information. To insure your privacy RTD was required to sign a binding legal agreement, which requires them to permanently delete student information after printing the smart cards.
Under RTD's own policy they cannot disclose rider information on an individual level without a court ordered mandate. For more information on RTD’s privacy policy see their website here. They can only tell us how many students rode a particular bus on a monthly basis, but we have no way to know which students were on that bus.
However, if you would like to register your personal card and then track your individual rides you can do so on RTD’s website (coming soon)
Do I need to renew my smart card every semester/year?
No, this is another benefit to the smart cards. Unlike the present sticker system, you do not have to pick up new cards each semester.
What do I do if my card is lost/stolen/broken?
You would do the exact same thing that you would if you lost your Buff OneCard. Just go by the Buff OneCard office in C4C. The rates to replace either card are $25.
Can I still use the sticker instead of the smartcard?
No, after January 31, 2013, RTD will no longer accept the decals.
Will the smart card be used on all RTD buses and light rail?
Yes, just wave the card in front of the reader on buses. For light rail you will
need to use your smart card at the kiosk prior to boarding the train. The kiosk will include a map and easy to read instructions on choosing your route. Once on board, an RTD attendant may ask to scan your card to confirm that you scanned at the kiosk. Failure to properly scan and enter trip information at the kiosk may result in suspension or cancellation of your card. Here are more in-depth instructions.
How will this save me money?
More reliable counting of rides, decrease in use of fraudulent bus passes, and the ability to deactivate cards for students who no longer attend the university.
Our contract with RTD is billed to CU on a pay per ride basis. While we do all that we can to encourage students to ride the bus, it’s only fair and saves you money when we are billed for students that have paid their fees to use the bus.
Are there any changes to my Buff OneCard?
No, you will keep your Buff OneCard and use it for all the same purposes as before.
Can I get a new picture taken?
No, the first round of approximately 30,000 cards will be printed using the picture that is already on your Buff OneCard.