Regional Transit Service (RTS) Info

Information is available from the Regional Transit website at myrts.com. Select Trip Planner on the right side of the page and follow instructions to obtain the RTS route for your child to school.

You may also obtain schedule and route information by calling 585-288-1700.

Urban-Suburban delivers all RTS bus passes to the respective schools before the start of each school year. Parents are responsible for getting their student to school on the morning of the first day of school. Once the student arrives at school they should go to the main office and pick up their bus pass. They can then use it to get home.

• Urban-Suburban students should go to their school’s main office and request a replacement RTS bus pass.
• There is a $2 fee for the replacement pass that must be paid at the time of the request.
• The school will contact Urban-Suburban and the office submits a request to RCSD for a new pass, it takes 7–10 days. During that time, parents are responsible for providing bus fare.
• Once replacement passes are ready, they are delivered to Urban-Suburban, then Urban-Suburban delivers it to the school.
• Each pass issued is equal to a year’s cost of service. Please convey the importance of the bus pass to your child.
• Replacement bus passes can only be issued once.
• Parent assumes responsibility for transportation cost.
  
  
  

The RTS Smartcard ID Pass serves as your student ID and lets you travel on RTS buses during specific time periods.

Show your ID Pass to the Bus Operator when you board the bus, and make sure your photo is visible. After that, it’s “tap, beep, then take your seat.”

• Tap the RTS Smartcard ID Pass on the Farebox, and you will hear a “beep” sound that confirms your card is valid.
  
  
  
• If you are not entitled to transportation services on RTS, you will hear, “Card not valid.” In this case, you will be required to exit the bus or pay the $1 fare.
  
  
  
• If you attempt to use an ID Pass that is not yours, an ID Pass that has been tampered with, or an ID Pass that the bus farebox indicates is not valid, the RTS Bus Operator is required to take it from you.
  
  
  
• Always make sure your child has bus fare in case of unforeseen emergencies!
  
  
  
• Please remember that transportation to school is a privilege, not a right. The privilege can be taken away for misusing your ID Pass or improper behavior!
  
  
  
• The RTS pass is for the exclusive use of your student ONLY. It can be utilized to board on regular school days, at any bus stop, from 5:30am to 9:30am. The pass is valid at the closest bus stop to school from 10:30am to 5:00pm. If a transfer at the Transit Center is necessary on the way to or from school, a Connection Pass must be requested upon boarding.
  
  
  
• The RTS pass and your school ID must be displayed at all times in a lanyard around the neck when utilizing RTS services. The pass may be confiscated by RTS, RPD or any School Administrator as a result of inappropriate behavior. All students are subject to the RTS Rules of Conduct when utilizing RTS services, as well as when in the RTS Transit Center.
  
  
  

If you participate in afterschool activities (extra help, academic support, volunteer, participation on clubs and teams), you can get a free RTS Activity Pass by going to the main office before the end of the day to request one.

The RTS Activity Pass is valid from 3:30 pm until 9:00 pm during the week and anytime on the weekends when presented with a RTS Smartcard ID Pass.

The RTS Activity Pass is valid on holidays and during school breaks.

1. Go to your RTS stop at least five minutes before the scheduled arrival time. To make sure everyone gets to their destination, the bus will depart on time.
2. Look for the sign above the windshield to make sure you’re getting on the right bus.
3. Climb aboard after the bus comes to a complete stop and the doors are open.
4. Show your RCSD Smart Card ID to the Operator and then tap the ID on the farebox.
5. Take a seat and enjoy your ride.

What do I do if I am at a bus stop and the bus passes by without stopping to pick me up?

Be patient. The bus may have been full and it would not be safe to add more passengers. Another bus will probably come.

What do I do if I realize that I am on the wrong bus?

Alert the Bus Operator of your problem. The Bus Operator will help you. It may require riding the bus through the end of the route and returning to Downtown.

What do I do if Rochester City School District is closed due to a Superintendent’s Conference Day?

Visit the main office at your school the day before and request two (2) Two Rides passes—one to get to school, the other to get home. The passes are provided free of charge.

What do I do if while riding the bus, I miss my stop?

1. If you recognize where you are, get off at the next stop and walk to your destination.
   
   
   
2. If you are unsure about your location, let the Operator know of your problem. The Bus Operator will help you with a solution. It may require riding the bus through the end of the route and getting off at the nearest stop on the way back.
   
   
   

What do I do if I am sitting in the front of the bus and a passenger in a wheel chair boards?

Get up and find a seat further in the back. The front seats will need to be folded up to accommodate the customer with the wheel chair.

What do I do if the bus is having mechanical issues and is forced to pull over?

Be patient. Another bus will probably come to pick you up, along with the other passengers.

What do I do if  someone on the bus is injured and requires medical attention?

Be patient and remain calm. The Bus Operator will call an ambulance and remain with the bus to give a statement. Another bus will probably come to pick you up, along with the other passengers.

What do I do if the bus is involved in an accident?

Remain calm while the Bus Operator calls the authorities. Be prepared to give a statement, if necessary, and otherwise be patient. Another bus will probably come to pick you up, along with the other passengers.

What do I do if there is a fight on the bus?

Move away from the fight and remain calm. Do not get involved. The Bus Operator will call for assistance. If necessary, a police officer will be dispatched to the scene.

What do I do if another passenger is harassing me or making me feel uncomfortable?

Move to the front of the bus and alert the Bus Operator. The Bus Operator will take the necessary steps in order to keep you safe.

What do I do if upon tapping my Smart Card ID on the farebox, I hear the message “card not valid?”

The Operator is required to take your ID. Purchase a single ride pass through the farebox. Visit the main office at your school and request a replacement. You will be issued a replacement ID by the RCSD Transportation Department.

Parents: Please be sure your child always has bus fare in case of an emergency.

What do I do if upon boarding the bus, I realize that I do not have my RCSD Smart Card ID?

Purchase a single ride pass through the farebox or go to the main office at your school and request assistance.

What do I do if I realize that I left my Smart Card ID on the bus?

Visit the main office at your school and request a replacement. If the pass is found, it will probably be returned to the RCSD Transportation Department and deactivated.

What do I do if I realize that I left something on the bus?

Contact RTS Lost and Found at 585-654-0610. If the item is found, you will probably receive a phone call from RTS.