Morning commuters boarding the light rail at Westminster Station got a sweet surprise Sept. 20. 

Representatives from the Regional Transportation District and Commuting Solutions handed out granola bars and program information as part of a customer appreciation event. 

The agencies also marked the launch of a new fare structure and a program that allows those under 19 to use RTD services at no cost. Zero Fare for Youth is a pilot program that offers free transit services through Aug. 31, 2024. The program is designed to remove barriers to education and employment and encourage lifelong transit use by a new generation of customers.  

The youth program is part of a new RTD fare structure approved in July that also lowers costs for adult customers. The fare changes were developed as part of RTD’s systemwide fare study and equity analysis, a yearlong review aimed at creating a fare structure that is more equitable, affordable and simple.  

Commuting Solutions works to provide innovative transportation options for businesses and individuals.