Conquering the Denver Bus: A Penny-Pinching Passenger's Guide to Fares
So, you're in Denver, the Mile High City with a seriously awesome bus system (RTD, for those in the know). But before you can cruise the streets in a chariot of chrome (okay, maybe a comfy, air-conditioned chariot), you gotta figure out how to pay the piper, er, driver. Fear not, fellow fare fighter! This guide will have you navigating the payment system like a seasoned straphanger in no time.
Cash: The Classic Choice (with a Twist)
Ah, cash. The trusty friend that's always there for you...as long as you have the exact amount. Because let me tell you, those bus drivers are like magicians when it comes to making change disappear (poof, there goes your dreams of a post-bus latte). Here's the thing: having exact change is key. Fumbling for bills while holding up the line is a surefire way to earn some serious stink eye from your fellow passengers.
Pro-Tip: Stock up on those sweet, sweet dollar bills (or grab a handful of quarters) before your trip. Trust me, your social standing on the bus will thank you.
MyRide: Your Digital BFF
Feeling fancy? Ditch the Benjamins and befriend MyRide, the official RTD mobile app. This little gem lets you buy fares and passes with your phone, eliminating the whole "exact change" debacle. Plus, you can skip the ticket vending machine lines and just tap your phone on the reader as you board. How's that for convenience?
Word to the Wise: Download the MyRide app before you even hit Denver. It'll save you precious vacation time (or, you know, your lunch break).
Tickets & Passes: Planning Makes Perfect
For the organized adventurer (or someone who hates carrying cash), there are always tickets and passes. You can grab these at RTD stations, King Soopers, or Safeway (because who knew grocery shopping could also score you a bus ride?).
Here's the rundown:
- 10-Ride Ticket Book: Perfect for the casual rider who likes a little paper trail.
- Day Pass: Explore the city all day long without worrying about tapping your card every ride.
- 3-Hour Pass: Great for whirlwind errands or that time you get accidentally dragged to a museum (hey, it happens!).
Remember: Make sure you get the right pass for your needs! A 3-hour pass won't do you much good if you're planning an epic Denver bar crawl.
So, You Want to Be Fancy? (A.k.a. Using a MyRide Card)
Alright, alright, so you want to take your Denver bus riding to the next level. Enter the MyRide Card, a reloadable card that lets you tap and go, just like those fancy credit cards (but for buses, obviously). You can get one online or at RTD stations, and then reload it with cash or your credit card.
Bonus points: MyRide cards come in all sorts of snazzy designs, so you can express your inner bus enthusiast while you ride.
There you have it, folks! Your comprehensive (and hopefully humorous) guide to conquering the Denver bus fare system. Now get out there, explore the city, and remember: a penny saved is a penny you can spend on delicious Denver street tacos.
