Eco Pass Conversion to RTD’s Smart Card System

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Employees will receive their new 2013 Eco Pass smart cards in the mail by mid-January. These will replace the former RTD Eco Pass stickers, which will expire on January 31, 2013.

RTD will be implementing a grace period for all Eco Pass users. Faculty and staff members should keep their 2012 Eco Pass stickers and continue to use them until the receipt of their new smart cards. Faculty and staff will be able to utilize their 2012 Eco Pass stickers through Thursday, January 31, 2013.

What if I've been having trouble with my card when riding?

As RTD continues to transition to the smart card program, riders have experienced technical and driver difficulties. Should you have difficulties when riding, RTD has suggested that riders print this RTD-published Driver Bulletin. For questions with difficulty riding please call RTD at 303-299-6000.

Who is eligible for the Eco Pass?

Any CU employee working with more than a 20 percent of full-time appointment on the Boulder campus excluding students and temporary employees is eligible for an Eco Pass. Eligibility is determined by your employment records in the PeopleSoft system.

What do I use as my Eco Pass?

Each faculty/staff member will be issued a new RTD Smart Card that is separate from the Buff OneCard campus ID card.

What is a smart card?

The RTD smart card is a contactless card that is similar to a photo ID (like the Buff OneCard) that contains a chip that stores Eco Pass data. The smart card is electronically reloaded in RTD’s system each year and simply turned off when an employee is no longer eligible.

How does it work?

Riders simply tap their smart cards on the validator and show the driver the card when boarding the bus.

Will I have to get a new picture taken for the new card?

No, the same photo files used for the Buff OneCard will be used for the new RTD Eco Pass card.

Will I have to carry this card separately from my BuffOne card in order to utilize my Eco Pass?

Yes, RTD validation stickers and vinyl sleeves will no longer be issued, a Buff OneCard will no longer be valid to ride RTD routes.

Should I Keep My Buff OneCard Still?

Yes, the Buff OneCard is your official form of university identification and it can be used to access other campus services such as printing, campus cash, and door access.

When will I get my new Eco Pass smart card?

Employees will receive their new 2013 Eco Pass smart cards in the mail by mid-January. These will replace the former RTD Eco Pass stickers, which will expire on January 31, 2013.

RTD will be implementing a grace period for all Eco Pass users. Faculty and staff members should keep their 2012 Eco Pass stickers and continue to use them until the receipt of their new smart cards. Faculty and staff will be able to utilize their 2012 Eco Pass stickers through Thursday, January 31, 2013.

What if my employee record lists an incorrect home or campus address?

Addresses were accessed at the beginning of October for the mailing. If you need to change your home (retirees only) or campus address, please email tracy.humphrey@colorado.edu with your employee ID, old and new addresses.

 

When can I begin using my new Eco Pass smart card? And what shall I do with my 2012 RTD decal?

Employees may be begin using their smart card on January 1, and may discard their decals upon receipt of their smart cards.

Will this change affect the Guaranteed Ride Home Program?

No, the Guaranteed Ride Home Program (GRH) and process will stay exactly the same. For more info on how to use the GRH, visit our website.

Will RTD now have access to individual ridership information?

The Smart Card Program will store the RTD smart card serial number with a patron card record.  That number will then be used by campus to turn on and off cards in data feeds campus sends to RTD.  That data exchange does not require any more information other that the RTD card number, the patron type (Student or Employee) and whether the card should be active or not.

Essentially, the RTD Smart Card office will only know who has which type of smart card (student or employee) but will not have any way to connect that information to the ridership data.

Is the skyRide service still fare-free?

In 2009, RTD implemented a $5 surcharge for all Eco Pass holders on all skyRide trips to DIA; the new smart card system cannot differentiate the $5 surcharge, therefore riders will be charged $2.50 each way to and from DIA. Ask the drivers for receipts for reimbursement if you are traveling on campus business.

When does my 2012 pass expire?

Your 2012 pass will expire on January 31, 2013. Smart cards will not be activated until January 1, 2013, faculty and staff are encouraged to use their 2012 decals until this date.

What if I get a smart card and don’t want it?

Please keep your Eco Pass smart card; you never know when you’ll need it. CU has partnered with the city of Boulder to bring Eco Pass holders great discounts at local businesses. More information on the Eco Pass Extra program can be found at www.ecopassextra.net. To request an Eco Pass Extra sticker, email tracy.calvin@colorado.edu with your employee ID and campus box address.  

Is my spouse/partner/family eligible for an Eco Pass?

No. The Eco Pass is for employees only. You can purchase discounted passes for others at www.rtd-denver.com by clicking “Passes and Fares.”

I think I’m eligible for a pass but won’t/didn’t get one, what can I do?

Eligibility is determined by your employment records in PeopleSoft.  If you have an appointment of 20 percent of full time or more, or can demonstrate that you work more than 416 hours per year on campus, email tracy.calvin@colorado.edu to discuss your eligibility.

What if I have questions about using my pass or the bus system in general?

Please call Tracy Humphrey at 303-735-2705 or e-mail tracy.humphrey@colorado.edu with all of your Eco Pass or sustainable transportation questions. You can also find bus route and schedule information online at www.rtd-denver.com or by calling RTD at 303-299-6000.