Denver residents who ride to the University of Denver or Knox rail stations will soon enjoy a free first mile on a Veo scooter or bike. Beginning Oct. 1, the Regional Transportation District (RTD) and Veo are launching the First Mile Free pilot, a two‑year program that covers the $1 unlock fee and the $1.95 charge for the first mile of travel.
How the program works
There is no sign‑up required. Riders simply unlock a Veo vehicle through the app, travel to either of the two stations, and end the trip within the designated area. The system automatically waives the $1 unlock fee and the $1.95 rate for the first mile. If a trip exceeds one mile, riders pay only the additional distance beyond the free mile.
Funding and goals
The pilot is funded by a $122,554 RTD Partnership Program grant and more than $65,000 from Veo in discounted rides and a cash match. By removing the cost barrier for the first mile, the program hopes to encourage more Denver families and commuters to combine micromobility with public transit, addressing the classic “first‑mile/last‑mile” challenge that can deter ridership.
Local leadership behind the idea
First Mile Free founder Joel Cox, a mobility chair for the University Park Community Council and a candidate for Denver City Council District 6, says the idea grew from two concerns: older residents worried about scooters cluttering sidewalks, and younger riders who wanted a reliable way to reach transit stations. “By incentivizing trips to end at transit stations, you are incentivizing people to use public transit,” Cox explained. “You’re also incentivizing safe parking that does not fall on our sidewalks, but rather at transit stations.”
Support from Veo and RTD
Jeff Hoover, director of government partnerships at Veo, praised the collaboration in a press release: “Public transit and shared micromobility are strongest when they work together. This program helps extend the reach of public transportation while making it easier for riders to complete their journey without relying on a car. It’s a win for residents and a more connected, accessible community.”
Future expansion
Cox is optimistic that the pilot’s success will lead to broader adoption. “We’re excited that RTD recognizes how well this subsidy model works when it comes to potentially increasing ridership across stations,” he said. “If this goes well, we can quickly expand to other stations. We hope to scale this citywide, and RTD has signaled that they are also open to the idea of scaling this.”
Why this matters for Denver families
For parents juggling school drop‑offs, work commutes, and weekend errands, a free first mile removes a small but significant cost barrier. It also encourages safe, organized parking of scooters at transit hubs rather than on sidewalks, preserving the walkability that many Denver neighborhoods cherish. By linking micromobility with RTD’s rail network, the pilot aligns with the city’s broader goals of reducing traffic congestion, lowering emissions, and strengthening community ties.
Next steps
The First Mile Free pilot will run for two years, with RTD and Veo monitoring ridership data and community feedback. Residents are encouraged to try the service and share their experiences with city officials, helping shape the future of Denver’s integrated transportation network.
Original reporting: Denverite — read the source article.
