The Regional Transportation Commission is offering free senior identification cards that qualify users for the reduced fare on RTC Ride transit throughout the region. Beginning Oct. 11, RTC will implement a new two-tier fare structure with a full fare and a reduced fare. To qualify for the reduced fare, riders must provide proof of eligibility for the discount offered to seniors, youth and people with disabilities. No fares are increasing.

The free picture identification cards from RTC are available at the RTC CitiCenter and RTC Centennial Plaza transit centers and at RTC’s 600 Sutro St. and 2050 Villanova Drive offices. Seniors can show a picture ID with their birth date if they don’t have an RTC Ride ID card and youth can show a school ID.

With the new system, there are still discounts offered to people who qualify as seniors, youth or disabled. These three categories will be combined into a single reduced fare. The one exception is that a separate 31-day disabled pass will still be offered. The passes have been redesigned so they will look a little different now.

Making this change will simplify the fare structure, helping reduce confusion, according to RTC officials. Current passes will remain valid as new adult and reduced fare passes are introduced.

Also beginning Oct. 11, the senior age requirement will go to 65 but everyone who turns 60 before Jan. 1, 2010, will be grandfathered in at the reduced senior fare.

For complete RTC information call 348-RIDE or go to www.rtcwashoe.com to sign up for free e-mail updates using MyRTC.