Early Bird

AHEC suspends RTD Employee EcoPass program

The suspension will take effect Jan. 1.

By Lindsey Coulter

December 2, 2020

The Auraria Higher Education Center, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Community College of Denver and the University of Colorado Denver have made the difficult decision to suspend the RTD Employee EcoPass program indefinitely as of Jan. 1. Employees who are currently participating in the EcoPass program will not see the deduction in their paychecks beginning in December.

Several significant factors contributed to this decision, but a drop in ridership that began before the campus closure in March was a primary factor. Over the past 12 months, Auraria Campus RTD Employee EcoPass program participation has declined by more than 50%. Additionally, in January, RTD will implement a 20% contract increase for the 2021 calendar year. This is the third consecutive year for such cost increases.

Currently, RTD cannot provide any alternative employee options, but MSU Denver is actively exploring and discussing future employee transportation options, impacts and potential solutions. Please stay tuned for more information as it is available.

Employees with additional questions or concerns can contact AHEC Parking and Transportation Services at 303-556-2003. For MSU Denver- and payroll-specific questions, please contact Human Resources.