Denver RTD Introduces Masabi’s Tap-n-Ride for Easy Contactless Payments Across Rail and Bus

Published on December 14, 2025

The Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) has taken a major step toward modernising public transport with the launch of the Masabi Tap-n-Ride open payment system across its entire bus and rail network. Powered by Masabi’s Justride platform, the new system allows passengers to pay simply by tapping a contactless bank card, mobile wallet, or using account-based ticketing—no paper tickets or cash required.

The platform brings together mobile ticketing, account linking, and fare capping in one easy-to-use, cloud-based system, making travel smoother and more intuitive for riders. With Tap-n-Ride now live, RTD is making it simpler and faster for both daily commuters and visitors to get around Denver, while continuing its move toward a more efficient, modern public transit experience.

Streamlining Transit Payments for Denver Riders

The introduction of Tap-n-Ride by RTD simplifies the ticketing process by allowing passengers to directly link their bank cards or mobile wallets to the Justride platform, bypassing traditional paper tickets. Whether riding the bus or train, passengers now only need to tap their card or phone at the fare gate or bus validator to board.

This new fare system is designed to be “easy to navigate, equitable, and accessible” for all travelers who rely on RTD’s services. By enabling fare capping, passengers can be confident that they are always paying the best fare for their journey, ensuring affordability even for those making multiple trips throughout the day.

Fare capping is a key feature of the Tap-n-Ride system, which automatically ensures passengers don’t pay more than the daily or weekly fare cap, regardless of how many trips they take in a single day. This feature improves fairness for regular commuters as well as occasional users, guaranteeing they get the best possible rate for their travel.

Innovative Partnership Between RTD and Masabi

The partnership between RTD and Masabi marks a milestone in modernizing Denver’s public transit by rethinking how passengers interact with payment systems. This collaboration aims to deliver a quick, cost-effective, and cutting-edge payment solution to improve the commuter experience.

This new development extends the platform’s functionality by including open payments and account linking, making it simpler and more secure for users to pay for transit services. Whether they are daily commuters or tourists exploring Denver, the Tap-n-Ride system ensures a seamless experience with more efficient boarding, shorter wait times, and increased convenience.

RTD’s strategic move to integrate Masabi’s open payment system strengthens the transit agency’s ability to offer more flexible and user-friendly services. With open payment technology, passengers are no longer limited to one payment option offering them a wide range of options to choose from, depending on their preferences and needs.

Enhanced Features for Increased Convenience

In addition to contactless payments, the Masabi Tap-n-Ride system also supports the ability to purchase tickets in advance via the RTD app, creating an entirely paperless experience for riders. For frequent users, RTD’s fare capping ensures that there are no hidden charges for multiple trips. This improves the convenience for everyone, as passengers no longer have to worry about calculating fares or carrying cash.

RTD has ensured that the new system is fully integrated into the wider Denver public transit network, including the bus, light rail, and commuter rail services. As part of this launch, RTD has upgraded its ticketing infrastructure to accommodate the open payment system seamlessly. The platform is designed to handle all the complexities of fare management automatically, allowing RTD to focus on customer satisfaction and the smooth running of its network.

Impact on Denver’s Tourism and Business Sectors

The implementation of Masabi’s Tap-n-Ride system has broad implications beyond just commuters. Tourists visiting Denver will benefit from this easy-to-use payment system, allowing them to easily access all forms of public transport without the need to navigate through complex ticketing machines or systems. The ability to pay via contactless bank cards or mobile wallets adds a layer of ease for tourists who may not be familiar with local payment options.

Additionally, the open payment system strengthens Denver’s position as a leading tourism destination by offering a seamless and modern experience to all visitors, which enhances the city’s appeal to those traveling for leisure or business. With the increased adoption of mobile payments in the travel and transport industries globally, Denver is keeping pace with evolving trends to offer a world-class experience to its residents and visitors.

Looking Ahead: Future Expansions and Enhancements

As RTD continues to grow and expand its transit network, the Masabi Tap-n-Ride system is set to get even better. Future updates could include integration with other forms of transport in Denver and potential partnerships with regional transit providers, moving toward a single, seamless payment system that makes getting around the city and surrounding areas easier than ever.

Looking ahead, RTD also aims to make the system more accessible for all riders, ensuring that everyone can take full advantage of the convenient fare options. As the tap-and-ride technology evolves, passengers can expect more user-friendly features, enhanced customer support, and an overall smoother, more enjoyable transit experience.