There are several ways to find a route that will stop near a student’s home and high school. Bus stop frequency varies by route.

Google/Apple Maps: Using a phone or desktop, open Google or Apple Maps and type in the high school the student attends. Next, change the mode of travel by tapping the bus icon. The map will now display the entire route from walking to the bus stop, riding the bus, exiting the bus, and walking to the final destination. If the starting location is not automatically filled in, type in the home address or other starting location. 

Transit App: The free Transit App can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Using the Transit App, type in the starting location and add the high school as the final destination. The app will then display the RTA route one should take. The Transit App will also tell the user when to start walking to the bus stop in order to arrive just before the bus pulls up. 

RTA Website: The RTA website allows users to view each route schedule in detail. Routes are each assigned a number. To view the route schedule, please visit iriderta.org to view maps, stop locations, and arrival times. 

Click here to view a route list by school. 

Upon entering the bus, students will need to tap their pass on the payment reader. The passes are good for an unlimited number of rides in a 31-day period. The 31-day period begins the first time the pass is tapped on the payment reader. It is good practice for students to write the date of the first scan and expiration date on the pass.

If students receive their new pass before the old one expires, they should not activate the new pass until it is needed to ensure they continue to have unlimited rides throughout the next month.

Riding the Bus

After boarding the bus and paying for the ride, students should either take a seat or stand and hold onto a handrail or safety strap. If students choose to stand, they must stay behind the yellow line at the front of the bus.

Other rules of the road include:

• No smoking of any kind.
• No eating or drinking. Food or drinks must be in a sealed container.
• When listening to music, wear headphones.
• Refrain from speaking on cell phones.
• Customers must not use profanity or engage in disruptive behavior.
• Vandalism of RTA property is not tolerated.
• Customers must keep the aisles clear to allow others to pass. 
• If there is limited seating, please allow older customers and those with disabilities to sit down near the front of the bus.

Students should follow these rules and any other instructions provided by the driver. If rules are not followed, passengers may be removed from the bus.

Click here to view all RTA rules of the road.

Students should signal to the driver that they need off by pulling the cord on the side of the bus. Students should pull the cord after they pass the last stop just before the one they need.

When exiting the bus, students should exit through the rear door to allow people entering the bus to use the front door. 

Remember that traffic does not stop for transit vehicles. Students should never cross in front of the bus, and should obey all traffic laws and watch for oncoming traffic after exiting. After exiting the bus, students can continue walking to their final destination. 

Students can practice taking a bus for free on weekends, as RTA is offering free rides on Saturdays and Sundays until September 4, 2022. Students are encouraged to practice on Saturdays, as those routes follow weekday routes. 

Please be aware that RTA is adjusting schedules on Sunday, August 14, 2022. Students should check bus schedules after that date to identify their route for the first day of school. 

If students need help while practicing their route, bus drivers can assist them with finding their way. Students can also call the RTA customer service line at 937-425-8300 for further assistance.