RTS and other transit agencies across the U.S. are asking customers to participate in a brief online survey about their bus service. Data from all agencies will be collected and combined to help guide the formation of a national benchmark of best practices in public transit and help improve service for customers.

RTS will join with the Genesee Transportation Council, and local leaders and transportation partners to participate in the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) nationwide Stand Up 4 Transportation Day on Thursday, April 9 at 11 a.m. at the RTS Transit Center.

RTS, in partnership with the Rochester City School District (RCSD), has launched a revised transportation plan which puts more students on express service in the afternoon and eliminates the need for them to transfer buses at the RTS Transit Center.

Today, leaders and advocates are calling on the New York State Legislature and Governor Cuomo to support critically-needed transit systems throughout New York State and ensure that the final budget includes both capital investment and additional operating aid for upstate, and downstate, systems.

RTS customers are advised that some weekday morning trips on 23 bus routes may be canceled due to a temporary shortage of bus operators. The impacted trips are scheduled between the hours of 5:30 a.m. and 7:50 a.m. Due to unusually high rates of illness and absence and more retirements than normal, RTS has a temporary shortage of @20 bus operators. As a result, customers are advised that some morning trips on these designated routes may be unavailable until further notice.

As part of RTS’ ongoing service development plan and based on input received during customer listening sessions, RTS is proposing to launch a new route that will double weekday trips and add weekend trips between the 19th Ward and Monroe Community College. The new route would also extend service to Brighton-Henrietta Townline Road from downtown Rochester.

On Monday, Jan. 26, gate assignments at the RTS Transit Center changed for most customers who ride Suburban and Park & Ride Routes.* Changes are the result of ongoing review of RTS Transit Center routes and schedules.

Using public transportation can be a challenge for individuals with a disability or special need. That challenge can discourage some completely, further increasing their isolation and resulting in reduced independence.

RTS will offer free bus rides on New Year’s Eve. The offer is applicable to all routes beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, up until 4:45 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015. Regular $1 fares resume for all trips beginning Jan. 1, 2015.

The Pike Company and Rochester Transit Service have earned the 2014 Excellence in Partnering Award from The New York State Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC NYS).