RTA Connect, Greater Dayton, Ohio, 2017

Updated January 2020

Since June 2017, Ohio’s Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority (RTA) has been providing first/last mile service called RTA Connect On-Demand. This service is offered as part of RTA Connect, the collection of alternative transportation services offered by the RTA, which includes paratransit, bike share, and general demand response services.

On-Demand is available 24/7, by booking with the Lyft or Uber app and entering the On-Demand code, or by making a same day, advanced or recurring reservation with RTA Customer Service who connects the customer to a provider of their choice. All trips within the five service zones are free. Accessible services are provided by RTA Connect Paratransit operators. Current transportation providers of the program include RTA, Lyft, Uber, and Anton’s Taxi.

The goal of the On-Demand is to enhance and increase mobility access by serving previously underserved and unserved communities. The program was designed and structured to complement, rather than compete with existing RTA services through a new, non-traditional service approach. To date, the program has enhanced and increased mobility access for over 500 unique customers. Over 80% of the 60,000 trips taken to date have started and ended at fixed route transfer locations.

The On-Demand program created a win-win for RTA and most importantly its customers. On-Demand replaced over 40,000 annual fixed route service hours over a two year period, due to shortfalls in RTA’s operating budget as a result of loss in sales tax. The program reinforces RTA’s ability to develop well-designed and innovative operational adjustments in order to work towards a balanced budget, while still providing excellent customer service.

For more information see the RTA and an article by the Dayton Business Journal, see links below.

Contributed through a partnership between the Shared-Use Mobility Center, ITS America, and the Federal Transit Administration’s Mobility on Demand Program

Updated July 2017