As part of Ohio Loves Transit Week, Logan County commissioners Mark Robinson, far left, and Michael Yoder, far right, joined Tam Blakely, Logan County mobility manager, center left, and Jaime Hill, RTC transportation supervisor, for a quick trip around downtown Bellefontaine on Tuesday, Feb. 13. (EXAMINER PHOTO | SHARYN KOPF)
Americans love their cars. It’s certainly, for the most part, our preferred way to get from point A to point B. But when that’s not an option, for whatever reason, Logan County residents can turn to RTC Transportation.
To emphasize the importance of public transportation, RTC is participating in Ohio Loves Transit Week, which started Sunday, Feb. 11, and goes through Saturday, Feb. 17.
RTC offers door-to-door demand-response service at $4 for a one-way ride anywhere within the county. Out of county trips are $1 per mile from origin to destination within a 100-mile radius. Reduced fares are available for elderly (over 65 years old) and disabled riders.*
Tuesday morning, RTC invited Logan County commissioners and other local officials to join them for a ride-along in one of their buses. Commissioners Mark Robinson and Michael Yoder accepted the offer, taking a quick ride around downtown.
“We support RTC and the transportation they provide Logan County,” Yoder said. “I don’t know of many other communities that have this. And I’m particularly thrilled with what they do for our seniors.”
All riding passengers on Tuesday also received goodie bags, and Arquimedes Aguirre won a $25 pass.
“Our transit system enhances the mobility and quality of life for residents of Logan County,” RTC said in a statement. “We are proud to have a team of drivers who enjoy meeting the transportation needs of our community and care for the people who ride with us.”
That team currently includes 32 vehicles and 45 drivers, with more vehicles on the way. In 2022 they made over 62,500 trips and covered 652,471 miles. Last year, they served more than 67,000 riders.
And though the service specializes in helping the elderly and disabled, it’s available for anyone, whether your car breaks down or you don’t want to drive to a doctor’s appointment or you need a ride to work. RTC operates Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., except major holidays.
Nita Wilkinson, marketing and development manager for RTC, emphasized the benefits of having a door-to-door transit system in a county our size. “We do everything from drop off the groceries you ordered through a click list to taking you anywhere you need to go within our parameters,” she said.
You can schedule a ride by calling (937) 593-0039 at least 48 hours in advance, though some limited same-day service is available. Rides can be booked up to 14 days ahead of your trip.
To find out more about what RTC can do for you, visit rtcservices.org.
*Applications for reduced fares can be obtained through the RTC office.