About River Cities Public Transit
River Cities Public Transit (RCPT) is a comprehensive public transportation system serving communities across the metropolitan region. Our network connects residents and visitors alike throughout the river valley area, spanning four major cities and numerous suburban communities.
Established in 1985, RCPT has grown from a modest fleet of 12 buses to a modern transit system operating over 150 vehicles including buses, shuttles, and electric vehicles. Our mission is to provide safe, reliable, and affordable transportation that enhances the quality of life, promotes economic vitality, and protects the environment in our river cities region.
Every year, River Cities Public Transit provides over 2.5 million rides to residents throughout our service area, helping to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality across the region.
Our Vision
We envision a connected region where every person has access to affordable, sustainable, and efficient transportation options. Our commitment is to continually evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of our diverse community.
History
River Cities Public Transit began as a joint initiative between municipal governments to address increasing traffic congestion and air quality concerns in the 1980s. The first routes connected downtown areas across the Mississippi River, providing an essential alternative to private vehicle commuting.
Over the decades, RCPT has expanded its services to include specialized transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities, express commuter routes, and partnerships with local businesses and educational institutions. In recent years, we have invested significantly in modernizing our fleet and infrastructure to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Our Services
River Cities Public Transit offers a variety of transportation options designed to meet the diverse needs of our region's residents and visitors.
Regular Bus Service
Our network of fixed-route buses provides service throughout the river cities region from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM on weekdays, with slightly reduced hours on weekends. Buses arrive at designated stops every 15-30 minutes depending on the route and time of day.
Express Routes
For commuters traveling from outlying areas to downtown business districts, our express routes offer limited-stop service during peak morning and evening hours. These connections significantly reduce travel time for longer-distance commuters.
River Shuttle
Our unique River Shuttle service connects attractions, parks, and entertainment venues along both river banks, with specially designed buses equipped with bicycle racks for those who enjoy combining cycling with public transit.
Specialized Transportation Services
Through our River Cities Access program, we provide door-to-door paratransit service for seniors and individuals with disabilities who cannot use our regular fixed-route transportation. This service requires advance registration and operates within a 3/4-mile corridor of our regular routes.
RCPT On-Demand
In select neighborhoods, we offer on-demand microtransit services that can be requested through a mobile app. These smaller vehicles provide more flexible routing within designated service zones, combining the convenience of rideshare with the affordability of public transit.
Routes & Schedules
River Cities Public Transit operates 45 routes across the region. Maps and detailed schedules are available at all transit centers, on our website, and through our mobile app.
Major Route Divisions
- Downtown Circulators: Three routes (D1, D2, D3) connecting major landmarks, government buildings, and commercial districts.
- Cross-River Connectors: Four routes (C10, C20, C30, C40) featuring dedicated bridge lanes for connections across major waterways.
- University Express: Two routes (U1, U2) providing direct connections between residential areas and major college campuses.
- Medical District Connections: Three routes (M1, M2, M3) serving hospitals, medical centers, and healthcare facilities.
- Shopping & Entertainment: Five routes (S1-S5) connecting residential neighborhoods with major shopping centers.
- Industrial & Business Park: Six routes (B1-B6) serving employment centers and suburban business parks.
- Neighborhood Local: Twenty-two routes providing coverage to residential neighborhoods not served by other route categories.
Transit Centers
Our system features five major transit centers that serve as transfer points between different routes:
- Riverfront Transit Center Central hub in the historic riverfront district
- West Valley Transit Center Serving western suburbs
- East Hills Transit Center Connecting eastern communities
- University District Transit Center Near major colleges
- Medical District Transit Center Adjacent to the main hospital complex
Fares & Passes
River Cities Public Transit offers various fare options to meet different needs:
| Fare Type | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Single Ride | $2.00 | Includes one transfer within 2 hours |
| Day Pass | $5.00 | Unlimited rides for one day |
| Weekly Pass | $20.00 | Unlimited rides for 7 days |
| Monthly Pass | $65.00 | Unlimited rides for 30 days |
| Senior/Disabled | $1.00 | Discounted fare with valid ID |
| Youth (ages 6-18) | $1.50 | Reduced fare for youth |
Paying Your Fare
You can pay your fare using cash (exact change appreciated), the RCPT Mobile App, reloadable RCPT cards, or monthly passes available at transit centers.
Environmental Sustainability
River Cities Public Transit is committed to reducing our environmental footprint while providing essential transportation services to our community.
Fleet Electrification
By 2028, we plan to have 30% of our fleet fully electric, with an additional 20% operating as hybrid-electric vehicles. Our new bus depot features solar panels and electric vehicle charging infrastructure to support this transition.
Emissions Reduction
Since 2015, RCPT has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 28% through fleet modernization, improved operational efficiency, and the implementation of eco-driving practices. Each year, our system removes an estimated 25,000 private vehicles from the road during peak hours.
Resource Conservation
Our transit centers and maintenance facilities utilize energy-efficient lighting, smart climate control systems, and rainwater harvesting for non-potable water needs. Idle reduction technology has been implemented across our fleet, saving approximately 50,000 gallons of fuel annually.
Accessibility
River Cities Public Transit is dedicated to ensuring our transportation services are accessible to all members of our community.
Vehicle Accessibility
All RCPT buses are ADA-compliant, featuring wheelchair lifts or ramps, designated wheelchair securement areas, priority seating for seniors and individuals with disabilities, and audio and visual stop announcements.
River Cities Access
Our paratransit service provides door-to-door transportation for individuals who are unable to use regular fixed-route buses due to a disability. This service must be reserved in advance and is available within 3/4 mile of regular routes during their operating hours.
Information Accessibility
Our website is designed to meet WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards. Printed schedules and route information are available in Braille, large print, and audio formats upon request.
Travel Training
Our free travel training program helps seniors and individuals with disabilities learn to navigate the public transit system independently. The program can be customized to meet individual needs and abilities.
Contact Us
River Cities Public Transit is here to help with all your transportation needs.
Customer Service
Our customer service representatives are available:
- Phone: (555) 123-4567
- Email: info@rivercitiestransit.org
- TTY/TDD: (555) 123-4568
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM; Saturday, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Sunday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Main Office
100 Riverfront Plaza, Suite 200
River City, RC 54321
Lost and Found
Items left on our vehicles are turned in to our Riverfront Transit Center Lost & Found office. Call (555) 123-4569 or visit in person Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Items are held for 30 days.
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