Each year, RTA uses one percent of its Federal transit funds for community enhancements, which is required by the Federal Transit Administration. RTA developed its Community Grants Program many years ago as a way of offering these funds. The program invites municipalities to compete for funding of projects to improve transit services in their community. The partnership helps RTA because each participating municipality funds a 20% local match and commits to ongoing maintenance of improvements made in their community. In 2009, RTA’s board awarded $120,580 to Dayton, Moraine, Centerville, Englewood, Vandalia, and Riverside for projects.
FAQ
General
What does RTA do to help the environment?
RTA spends resources to educate the community through its annual Live Green Fest. RTA is the only transit authority in the U.S. hosting a green education event of this size, drawing thousands of attendees each year to a free all-inclusive, interactive, family-oriented green lifestyle fair with cooking and green lifestyle demos and local green business and organization vendors, including Smart Cars and hybrids on display. Event food vendors feature everything from organic and vegetarian to decadent fare.
Each summer RTA also joins a national initiative called Dump the Pump Challenge, conceived by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), which encourages everyone to forgo driving for a day or a week to try transit.
Other environmental measures include the use of biodiesel fuel when affordable, electric trolleys, which have provided continuous service to the region for over 120 years and an expanding hybrid fleet. In 2009, the agency leveraged federal Stimulus dollars to order hybrid vehicles to complement fixed route fleet. The hybrids will arrive by summer.
Where do RTA riders go on the bus?
Sixty-two percent of RTA riders go to or from work; 15% ride to shop or attend social gatherings; 13% ride to schools, colleges, or universities. The remaining 10% of our riders make trips to other destinations.
Can anyone attend an RTA board meeting or board committee meeting?
Yes. All regular meetings of the Board of Trustees and committee meetings are open to the public. RTA has developed policy regarding public participation.
Who is responsible for governing the RTA?
RTA is a public agency under Ohio law governed by nine trustees. Board members are appointed by Montgomery County, Dayton and Kettering.
Bus Service
Does RTA go to the Dayton Airport?
Yes. In August 2013, RTA began service to Dayton International Airport on Route 43 three times daily.
Where can I park and ride RTA?
There are 33 park and ride lots so people who do not live close to a bus stop may park their car in a lighted, maintained lot and ride the bus to work or another destination. Click here for more information.
Are bicycles allowed on buses?
Every RTA bus has easy-to-use bike racks available all year round. Bicycles are welcome at no additional charge. Click here for more information.
How do I complain or comment on something that happened to me on an RTA bus or at an RTA facility?
Here is your opportunity to praise us or speak us. If you need to complain or comment, this is your link: Comments & Concerns Feedback (937) 425-8383.
How do I contact RTA departments?
Here is the list of key contacts and phone numbers:
- Fixed route information (937) 425-8300
- Fixed route information (TDD) (937) 425-8388
- Lost & Found (937) 425-8300
- Paratransit reservations & scheduling (937) 425-8300
- Paratransit reservations & scheduling (TDD) (937) 425-8388
- Paratransit certification center (937) 425-8301
- SmartChoice Commuter Benefits (937) 425-8379
- Comments & Concerns Feedback (937) 425-8383
How do I get service in my area?
RTA’s planning team assesses our service areas throughout the year. If you want RTA to provide scheduled service to an area that does not receive service, you have several options to send us your requests: Comments and Concerns Feedback allows you to provide detailed information on your service suggestion request; send an email to planning@greaterdaytonrta.org; or call the RTA Planning Department at 937-425-8331.
Why doesn't RTA provide door to door service at the Dayton Mall?
Dayton Mall is private property and has not given approval to RTA to provide service to the door of the mall because of the size of our fixed route buses. RTA has offered Capital Improvement funds for access improvements including benches and shelters. Dayton Mall officials have not approved our request to date.
Does RTA provide service to Beavercreek?
Yes. Route 1 has stops at WSU and along Pentagon Rd, a major area which has shopping, education and health access.
Bus Stops
I have been using the same bus stop for a long time and it has been removed. Why?
RTA’s planning team assesses our service areas throughout the year. A stop may be removed or relocated because it may be to close to an existing stop; there may be resident complaints regarding a stop; or a stop may be relocated to better serve a business or facility nearby. RTA works to meet the needs of our customers and residents in our service areas. If the removal of a bus stop provides hardship to you or difficulty in accessing our service, Comments and Concerns Feedback will allow you to provide detailed information on your service suggestion request. Or you can call 937-425-8358.
Customer Service
What is the number to the RTA Customer Service Line?
RTA Customer Service Line: 937-425-8300.
How do I find out if you have found my lost items on the bus?
Lost and Found items collected during and at the end of a scheduled route and are held in a RTA storage area for a scheduled period of time based on the item lost. To check if your item was recovered please call 937-425-8300 and press 4.
How can riders have a say in the way things are done at RTA?
By becoming a member of the Customer Advocacy Group (CAG). The agency encourages applications from any transit customer or organization interested in becoming a member of CAG. If you are interested, please complete our online application or call 937-425-8374. Membership is on a volunteer basis (without pay).
How do I send you a complaint about service I have received?
Comments and Concerns Feedback will allow you to provide detailed information to our customer support team. Also, you may call our Customer Service Line at 937-425-8300 and press 3 during customer service hours.
What are the hours of the RTA Customer Service Line?
- Monday – Friday 7:00a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Saturday – Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Fares and Passes
Can I purchase any pass at the Transit Vending Machines (TVM) located in the transit centers?
Yes. You can purchase 31 and 7 Day; Family; Day; Weekend, Senior, Youth, Disabled passes at any TVM.
If I use an RTA bus pass do I still need to purchase a transfer?
No. You may travel to any destination RTA goes and use your pass during the valid period.
Do I still need to purchase a transfer with an RTA Token?
Yes. Purchase your transfer from your bus operator when paying your initial fare as you board your bus.
I am certified to ride Paratransit. Can I ride fixed route free?
Yes. Please be prepared to show the operator your valid paratransit ID when you board.
Is there any way a new rider or someone with an impairment can learn to ride RTA?
RTA mobility travel trainers regularly work with groups or individuals to reduce the stress of learning to ride the bus. If you are new to the community or have a physical or mental disability, call 937-425-8357 for more information.
I would like to know what form and/or process an individual with a disability would need to complete in order to get a reduced rate bus pass.
You must complete a paratransit application and get certification through the RTA Certification Center. For details and to apply, call the center at 937-425-8301.
Do you accept credit/debit cards for pass or token purchases?
It depends on the location that you visit to purchase your pass or token. Some accept credit/debit cards while others accept only cash. It is best to call the RTA pass/token outlet of your choice and ask what method of payment the retailer will accept.
How do I get an RTA bus pass or RTA token?
RTA bus passes and tokens can be purchased at retail outlets throughout Montgomery County. To find a location near you, please visit Fares and Passes or call 937-425-8300 press #1.
Safety Concerns
How can I get a copy of the Rule of the Road?
Download a PDF version of Rules of the Road.
How can I get a copy of the Facilities Code of Conduct?
Download a pdf version of Facilities Code of Conduct.
There are a lot of students on my bus who are loud. What do I do?
Please notify your driver if a student or any passenger is loud or unruly. Our drivers are trained to handle safety and security issues. RTA has a Student Disciplinary procedure that our employees follow. You may also send a formal complaint to our customer support team by visiting i-riderta.org and clicking Customer Support or call customer support at 937-425-8300 and press 3.
Seniors & Persons with Disabilities
I am certified to receive Paratransit services. Can I ride fixed route free?
Yes. Please be prepared to show the operator your valid paratransit ID when you board.
It is true that I can ride free on the big bus if I am a certified Paratransit customer?
Yes. Paratransit is the most expensive transit service we provide at RTA. In an effort to save money for our customers and the agency, RTA offers free service to certified Paratransit customers to encourage using the fixed route bus service.
Can I ride a big bus if I’m in a wheelchair?
Absolutely. Every RTA fixed route bus accommodates at least two wheelchairs. Each bus accommodates at least two spaces designed for customers who use a mobility device. Each bus either has a lift or is equipped with ramp for access to the bus. RTA Bus Operators are trained to safely and securely strap in your mobility device before moving on.
Can I take my dog on the bus?
Animals that are not service animals may ride on RTA if they are properly contained during the trip. Pet Carriers must be the same type used in commercial transport.
How do I check on my recertification application?
You can call the Certification Center at 937-425-8301.
Are there any routes designed to help senior citizens in the Dayton area?
The RTA has three bus routes designed to fit the special needs of seniors. Senior EZ Ride service provides a simple, recognizable and safe transportation link to many of the destinations seniors prefer, including senior citizens centers, neighborhoods, grocery stores, shopping centers, hospitals, and pharmacies.
Senior EZ Ride Route 65 runs Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. throughout the Northwest Corridor of Montgomery County.
Senior EZ Ride Route 64 runs on Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. throughout the Southwest corridor of Montgomery County.
Senior EZ Ride Route 66 runs Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. throughout the Southeast Corridor of Montgomery County.
I am a senior with special needs. How do I become certified to receive door-to-door service?
RTA offers Paratransit service, a curb-to-curb transit service, to certified individuals with disabilities who are functionally unable to use regular fixed routes. To become certified, you must complete an application and schedule and appointment at the RTA Certification Center. If you are approved you will be certified for the service. To get started, please visit i-riderta.org to complete an online application. Or you may call 937-425-8444 to have application mailed to you.
Schedules, Maps and Alerts
Where can I get a schedule for my bus?
Schedules can be picked up at any RTA Transit Center and at more than 80 locations, including hospitals, social service agencies and employment centers around Montgomery County. Also, you may visit Schedules to view or download a printable schedule.
How do I read a schedule?
- Determine the direction of your trip and the day you will travel. The schedules are separated into Weekday, Saturday and Sunday service.
- Find the major stop listing closest to where you will catch the bus. There is not room on a schedule to list all bus stops, so locate the closest corresponding stop location for the beginning of your trip.
- Read down the list of times under this stop to see what time the bus will arrive at your stop. You will need to estimate the time if your stop is in between the listed times or use the previous major stop time.
- Simply read across the page to the bus stop listing closest to where you want to go. The time listed will tell you approximately what time the bus will arrive and what time you will arrive at your destination.
- The letters in circles under the major stop listings are also noted on the map so you can easily find the location.
- A dash line indicates the bus does not serve the location.
- If you are traveling from Wright Stop Plaza, note the Bay Assignment for the bus you will be traveling on and proceed to the correct bay to wait for your bus. If two bays are listed, look for the bus in either bay.
- Read any footnotes marked on your trip time at the bottom of the times in each direction for more detailed information.
- Be early! Arrive at your bus stop at least five minutes before your departure time.
Financials
How is RTA funded?
RTA receives funding from several sources: Montgomery County sales tax; Fares; the State of Ohio; the federal government.
Doesn’t my fare pay for the services RTA provides?
Your fare pays about 14% of the total amount needed to operate the agency. The Montgomery County Sales tax funds more than 50%; State of Ohio funds less than 1%; and the federal government provides dollars which includes capital monies and grants, comprising the remaining dollars needed.
How big is RTA’s operating budget this year?
RTA’s 2010 operating budget is $57 million and is based upon keeping service, fares and costs at current levels. Between the 2009 and 2010 operating budgets RTA utilized $7.8 million in federal Stimulus funding in order to balance the budgets without further cuts in service or fare increases. No additional Stimulus funding is expected for 2011 and beyond. Declines in Income from Montgomery County sales tax (RTA’s primary source of income) and minimal state funding continues to be the agency’s biggest problem. Anticipated income from the dedicated tax is expected to be $28.2 million, the same level as in 1996. RTA plans to operate business in 2010 on 1996 sales tax revenue levels.
Are there any other types of programs used by RTA to raise revenue?
RTA has an innovative agreement with Commuter Advertising to sell on-bus audio advertising that generates revenue for the authority. Using the GPS system on buses, pre-recorded audio advertisements play at strategic locations along our bus routes. RTA customers may hear ads ranging from upcoming sales at a particular store to new products available at a store they’ve just passed. Only two other transit systems in the U.S. have this particular advertising program in place.
What incentive does RTA provide for commuters who own cars to use transit?
RTA offers many incentives to ride in addition to affordable, reliable and convenient transportation. SmartChoice offers federal commuter benefits to workers and employers alike and provides tax incentives for promoting the use of transit. The program also makes transit pass purchase more affordable and convenient. Check to see if a commuter benefit program is right for your business or you by visiting SmartChoice at commuterbenefits@i-riderta.org or call 937-845-8379 .
What has RTA done to reduce spending in view of financial shortages?
While RTA believes we should add service to address the needs of the community, we simply do not have the funding necessary to accomplish that objective. In fact, declining revenues, especially from the State of Ohio and sales taxes within Montgomery County, forced the authority to raise fares and reduce service levels in 2009. Many cuts were made within the organization to ensure the agency was operating as efficiently as possible before service was reduced including:
- RTA fixed route (big bus) and Project Mobility operations merged
- More than $1 million in administrative/operating expenses eliminated
- Combined the RideLine call center with Project Mobility’s call center
- Eliminated 93 jobs, 30 in management/administration
- Implemented/negotiated wage freezes (in second year)
- Benefit cost sharing by employees increased
- Reduced contracted services including Project Mobility certifications and numerous facility support contracts.
Careers with RTA
I don't have a computer at home. Where can I apply for jobs at RTA?
You can apply for a job with RTA by going to 600 Longworth Avenue between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
I can get on the internet, but I don't have an e-mail address. Why do I need one?
You need an email address when applying for a job posting at i-riderta.org. An e-mail address serves as another way of contacting you. At times, Recruiting may use your e-mail address to contact candidates.
Who can I contact with problems when I am applying?
You can contact Human Resources at 425-8400 or e-mail RTACareerhub@greaterdaytonrta.org.
How do I view what jobs are available for me?
Careers list current jobs open at RTA. You can stop by 600 Longworth Street, Dayton or call 937-425-8400 to check available positions.
How do I apply for a job posting?
You may apply for a posted job by visiting Careers or stopping by 600 Longworth Street, Dayton and completing an online application on the Kiosk.
Doing Business with RTA
Does RTA have any kind of incentive program for businesses whose employees might like to ride transit?
Yes we have the SmartChoice commuter benefit program. SmartChoice is federal commuter benefits transit program offered to businesses to encourage employees to ride public transit. This program provides an opportunity to purchase transit passes in the workplace for commuting to and from work on RTA. The SmartChoice Program is open to subscribers in the private, public and nonprofit sectors. For more information or to sign up for this program, call 937-845-8379.
Does RTA ever supply speakers for meetings at my business or organization?
Yes, RTA’s Speaker’s Bureau is designed to both foster transit use and provide other interesting speakers for local businesses or organizations. Our staff and speakers are real people who have built relationships throughout the region and nationally. The RTA Speaker’s Bureau can provide relevant speakers who have compelling stories to share.
To schedule a speaker, please complete the Speakers' Bureau Request Form. You will need at least three weeks advance notice to schedule a speaker.
What if my business would like to support an RTA event?
RTA always looks for opportunities to partner with local businesses and organizations. Sponsors are an important foundation for the agency’s educational efforts like Dump the Pump Challenge. These and other major initiatives champion sustainability in the community.
If your business or group is interested in supporting community education about green lifestyles and the importance of transit use, call 937-845-8379.
How can I do business with RTA if I have a service or product the agency might need?
The Procurement Department makes every effort to seek qualified businesses to purchase goods and/or services. It is RTA’s policy not to discriminate and to encourage disadvantaged business enterprise participation, whenever possible. A list of firms who have expressed interest in selling specific items to the RTA is kept on file in the Procurement offices. Bid packages that are directly related to the particular goods and/or services the firms can provide are sent out electronically or mailed to the firms on this list. This list is compiled from:
- Previous Bidders
- Firms who have requested placement on such a list by mail (preferably), telephone, e-mail, or personal contact
- APTA Directory
- Thomas Register
- RTA’s DBE Directory
- Trade and Product shows
- Internet Searches
If a firm would like to be placed on a bidder’s list, the interested firm has several options to be placed on a list for consideration: Complete a Vendor Registration form; E-mail sent to the appropriate buyer; Request made on the firm’s letterhead stating the specific item(s) on which the firm wishes to bid. During a personal interview with an authorized procurement agent of the RTA, a firm may also request placement on such a list.
Online Trip Planning Tools
How do I use the Trip Planner on your website?
Planning your trip can be done in four simple steps: Enter the address you are Starting from; Enter the information where you are going to; Enter the date and time you need to leave or arrive; Select the trip that best fits your needs.
