Starting Sept. 1, RTS riders will see several changes. From the new tap-to-pay option to updated RTS On Demand rules, here’s what riders need to know.
RTS passes and Transit app no longer necessary
The wait is over for RTS riders with Apple Pay and Google Pay. Both RTS On Demand and RTS Connect will now accept chip-enabled credit/debit cards, Google Pay and Apple Wallet. Riders no longer need to carry RTS passes or rely on the Transit app — just tap to pay.
Discontinuation of Route 92 Hilton/Hamlin
The 92 Hilton/Hamlin commuter route will be discontinued due to low ridership and high operating costs, RTS announced. The route previously ran twice a day on weekdays from Eastman Avenue Connection Hub to the Clarkson Highway Department stop.
RTS On Demand changes finalized
After a June public hearing, a comment period and a board vote, the proposed changes to RTS On Demand are officially taking effect Sept. 1.
No show/late cancellation and pre-booking period
Pick up/drop-off changes
Instead of curb-to-curb stops, RTS On Demand will now offer centralized, virtual stops that are “corner to corner” — meaning designated stops in your area that will be no longer than a quarter of a mile away from your location. Multimodal trip planning, which includes both RTS On Demand and RTS Connect, will also be prioritized.
Fare updates
RTS On Demand fares will rise gradually over the next three years:
Half fares will continue for seniors, children ages 6–11 and riders with disabilities. RTS Access customers and their PCAs, as well as veterans with VOC passes, will continue to ride RTS On Demand for free.
Fare capping—daily and monthly trip maximums — will end for RTS On Demand. The $1 one-ride, $3 all-day and $56 monthly passes will no longer apply. However, fare capping will remain for RTS Connect.
Aug. 20 open house at the Transit Center
RTS is hosting two Customer Open House events on Wednesday, Aug. 20, at the Transit Center. Drop-in hours include noon to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. RTS representatives will be present to answer any questions about the changes.
— Misha Manjuran Oberoi is a summer intern at the Democrat & Chronicle covering transportation and mobility, and a rising junior at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Is the bus in your neighborhood reliable, and does it meet your daily commute needs? Why or why not? I’d love to hear more about your experiences! You can reach me with any tips or concerns at moberoi@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: RTS to launch tap-to-pay, On Demand policy changes starting Sept. 1
Reporting by Misha Manjuran Oberoi, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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