The nearly 30 transit vehicles in the RTC Transportation fleet keep the wheels rolling around Logan County, and even to the surrounding areas, completing 62,594 trips in 2022 and covering a total of 652,471 miles last year.
Throughout each week, patients who need dialysis or other important medical treatment have access to a safe and reliable transportation to medical facilities, while others area residents can easily schedule trips to the grocery store, to their places of employment, to day programs or even to enjoy a meal out at a local restaurant.
Tuesday, Feb. 7, Logan County Commissioners Joe Antram, Mark Robinson and Michael Yoder took the opportunity to recognize this valuable service as part of the statewide Ohio Loves Transit Day. They also enjoyed late morning ride aboard one of the transit vehicles, driven by Steve Hall, while he picked up several riders in scheduled stops around the county.
“This service is so important to our community; we’re happy to recognize the efforts of RTC Transportation,” Antram said. “There are a number of people who already use the transportation services provided by RTC, but we want to help publicize what they do, so that others who might benefit can learn more about it.”
Also to celebrate the occasion prior to the ride-along, the commissioners conducted a drawing, with transit patron Maria Rosilo winning a free bus pass.
Logan County Mobility Manager Tam Blakely explained that public transit organizations around the state were organizing similar interactive ride-along efforts in their communities, and she wanted to take the chance to help honor the dedicated staff of RTC Transportation.
RTC Services Executive Director Tonya Reed said the door-to-door demand response transit service maintains a busy schedule throughout the week. Last year, the agency’s fleet of vehicles logged 28,047 rides to employment and the busiest driver completed 3,562 rides. Total trips also showed an increase compared to 2021, when the public transportation service provided 55,785 rides.
Riders were in RTC Transportation vehicles for a total of 21,253 hours in 2022. Most vehicles average 3,000 riders in a year and cover an average of 20,000 miles with riders annually.
Hours of operation are 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday.
“Our peak time is from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, when we can have up to 22 vehicles on the road,” Reed said.
The public transit service is offered to citizens and visitors of Logan County alike and to people of all ages, with transportation provided throughout the county and also within a 100-mile radius of Logan County, based on driver and vehicle availability.
Limited same day service is available. Riders are asked to schedule trips 48 hours in advance, when possible. Trip requests for Monday should also be scheduled by the Thursday before.
“We feel very fortunate to have this type of public transit available, especially in a rural community,” said Blakely, who works in her position to meet transportation needs of individuals in the county, receiving referrals from various local agencies.
“If you look at other smaller communities, it can be hard to find public transit available in the later afternoon and evenings. The longer hours available here in Logan County are a huge asset to second shift workers needing transportation to their workplaces.”
The organization transports ambulatory (those capable of walking) and non-ambulatory passengers, but cannot transport emergency or semi-emergency passengers. Individuals needing those services are referred to emergency medical services.
RTC Transportation also provides transportation to day programs and work for individuals eligible through a local county board of developmental disabilities. If you are eligible to receive these services, contact your SSA for more information.
Transportation for children under age 18 also must be arranged by a parent or legal guardian, and a car seat or booster seat provided, when appropriate.
To schedule a ride or for information, call (937) 593-0039 or (937) 539-2069. The organization’s website rtcservices.org contains other detailed information, including ride fare details.