RTA to expand eligibility for door-to-door service at reduced cost beginning October 4

For Immediate Release

MEDIA CONTACT:  Jessica Olson (937) 425-8352, Communications Manager

(DAYTON, Ohio)… The Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority (RTA) will expand its door-to-door services by offering a new program for seniors, providing direct service for medical and other essential trips beginning October 4.

“One of the most critical needs we heard from our area seniors at a recent public hearing was the need for direct door-to-door service for medical, pharmacy and even grocery trips,” said RTA CEO Robert Ruzinsky. “They indicated that seniors are not always able to access the big bus fixed-route services, and not all seniors qualify for the paratransit services RTA offers to provide access door-to-door.”

This new program, funded through a federal 5310 program grant awarded by the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, will offer seniors door-to-door service for essential trips such as doctor’s office visits, hospital appointments, medical testing, pharmacy trips, and trips to the grocery store. Customers don’t have to be certified for RTA Connect paratransit service—it is open to all seniors age 65 and older. This service is being offered at a reduced cost of $5 per one way trip, as opposed to RTA’s $30 unrestricted door-to-door service, and is meant to improve and expand services for seniors.  RTA certified paratransit customers will continue to receive door to door rides for $3.50 per one way trip.

“Getting our area seniors to life-important medical appointments and to take care of life-critical pharmacy/grocery needs is critical to the long-term health and wellbeing of our seniors,” said Ruzinsky. “We hope to be able to grow and expand services to our seniors as we tackle employment and funding challenges facing us.”

In addition, RTA is teaming up with Miami County Public Transit and Greene CATS Public Transit to ensure seniors needing trips for medical purposes between the counties of Montgomery, Miami, and Greene can do so without changing vehicles.

This service will be available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Trips should be scheduled at least 3 days in advance. Trips are on a space available basis. To book a trip, call 937-425-8300.