--- title: RTD Reports Financial Improvement Through Third Quarter of 2026 canonical: https://denfeed.com/rtd-reports-financial-improvement-through-third-quarter-of-2026/ published: '2026-11-09T17:01:40-07:00' updated: '2026-11-09T17:01:40-07:00' author: DENFeed Staff section: Transportation tags: - RTD - Budget source: Regional Transportation District (RTD) source_url: https://www.rtd-denver.com/community/news/2026/rtd-reports-strong-financial-progress-through-the-third-quarter-of-2026 publisher: DENFeed attribution: Copyright DENFeed. Quote with credit to DENFeed and a link to the canonical URL above. --- # RTD Reports Financial Improvement Through Third Quarter of 2026 The Regional Transportation District (RTD) reported on November 9, 2026, that its financial performance improved through the third quarter of 2026. As of September 30, RTD reduced its year-to-date decrease in net position by $203 million, a 74% improvement compared to the same period in 2025. The agency noted that total revenue increased by 19%, and ridership grew to over 50 million boardings, reflecting a 5% increase from the previous year. Details about the Q3 2026 financial results are located [here](https://cdn.rtd-denver.com/image/upload/v1794248408/09.30.2026_110926_rzza5g.pdf). --- ### Press Release: Regional Transportation District (RTD) *Published November 9, 2026. Reproduced in full from the [Regional Transportation District (RTD)](https://www.rtd-denver.com/community/news/2026/rtd-reports-strong-financial-progress-through-the-third-quarter-of-2026).* #### RTD reports strong financial progress through the third quarter of 2026 RTD's financial performance continued to improve through the third quarter of 2026, reflecting disciplined financial management, strong operational performance, and growing demand for transit service across the Denver metro region. As of September 30, RTD improved its year-to-date decrease in net position, which is similar to a loss, by $203 million, a 74% improvement compared with the same period in 2025. While the agency continues to manage a structural operating deficit, this significant year-over-year improvement demonstrates meaningful progress toward strengthening RTD's financial position and long-term sustainability. Several key factors contributed to the improvement. Year-to-date operating expenses improved by 10% compared with 2025, while total revenue increased 19%. Grant revenue increased by $159 million, primarily due to the timing of grant reimbursements and project funding activity. RTD's largest revenue source, sales and use tax revenue, remains strong. Through September, sales and use tax collections totaled $662 million, modestly exceeding budget expectations and increasing more than 3% compared with the same period last year. These revenues continue to provide the foundation for daily operations, capital investments, and maintenance of the region's transit system. **Ridership growth reflects continued demand** Customers are continuing to choose transit in greater numbers. Through the third quarter, RTD recorded more than 50 million boardings, an increase of 5% compared with the same period in 2025. Several services experienced particularly strong growth: - The 16th Street FreeRide increased 69% - Commuter rail ridership increased 13% - Overall ridership surpassed 50 million boardings year to date This growth reflects the important role transit plays in connecting people to work, education, healthcare, entertainment, and other destinations throughout the region. The increase in ridership is also supporting revenue performance. Fare revenue exceeded $46 million through September, outperforming the prior year by 3%. Continued growth in both ridership and fare revenue demonstrates sustained demand for RTD services and reinforces the value transit provides to communities across the district. **Maintaining fiscal stewardship** While supporting service delivery and ridership growth, RTD remains focused on responsible stewardship of public funds. Operating expenses continue to track below budget in several key areas, helping offset inflationary pressures and supporting the agency's long-term financial goals. This disciplined approach allows RTD to invest in safe and reliable service while strengthening its overall financial position. RTD also maintains substantial financial resources, including approximately $1.2 billion in cash, investments, and receivables. These assets support daily operations, infrastructure maintenance, planned capital investments, and future strategic priorities. **Long-term financial strength** RTD continued to strengthen its long-term financial outlook during the third quarter. As part of the agency's $266 million FasTracks bond refinancing completed earlier this year, RTD's strong credit ratings were reaffirmed with stable outlooks by major rating agencies. The affirmations reflect continued confidence in RTD's financial management practices, debt strategy, and overall stewardship of public resources. The refinancing supports RTD's commitment to prudent debt management while preserving financial flexibility for future investments in the transit system. **Looking ahead** As RTD enters the final month of 2026, the agency remains focused on responsibly managing public funds, maintaining critical infrastructure, supporting employees, improving service, and delivering the safe and reliable transit service customers expect. The progress achieved through the third quarter demonstrates the results that can be achieved when strong financial management and operational excellence work together in support of RTD's mission to make lives better through connections. Details about the Q3 2026 financial results are located [here](https://cdn.rtd-denver.com/image/upload/v1794248408/09.30.2026_110926_rzza5g.pdf). To learn more, watch a [short video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnykQkzT_b8) or visit RTD’s [Financial and Investors Information webpage](https://www.rtd-denver.com/open-records/financial-information). *Written by RTD Staff* Source: [Regional Transportation District (RTD)](https://www.rtd-denver.com/community/news/2026/rtd-reports-strong-financial-progress-through-the-third-quarter-of-2026)