December 22, 2021
The Regional Transit Service (RTS) announced today that it will begin restoring 15-minute frequency on RTS Connect bus routes on January 3, 2022, as part of changes being made to its RTS Connect and RTS On Demand services. The updates are being made in response to customer, community, and employee feedback, as well as ongoing monitoring of system performance.
In early September, RTS changed the frequency on seven routes from running every 15 minutes on weekdays from 6am-6pm, to running every 30 minutes. These changes were made to help the Rochester City School District overcome a school bus driver shortage and get students back in the classroom. As part of our effort to restore the 15-minute service, RTS will reinstate this frequency on Routes 8 E. Main and 16 Genesee.
“The frequent network of routes that run every 15 minutes was the most popular and requested item we implemented in May as part of the Reimagine RTS transit system redesign,” said RTS CEO Bill Carpenter. “Reinstating this frequency on these seven routes is one of our top priorities. I am glad that we are able restore the first two of these routes and take this important step forward for our customers.”
The full list of changes being implemented on January 3 is included below. RTS has created a video to help customers understand the service changes. The preview page with updated maps and schedules for January 3 is available at myRTS.com/preview.
Return of 15-minute weekday frequency to Routes 8 E. Main and 16 Genesee:
After hiring and training new Bus Operators, RTS is restoring some of its frequent service. We will continue looking for ways to restore frequent service on other routes during the RCSD transportation crisis.
Updating Trip Patterns on Routes 3 Joseph, 15 Plymouth, and 21 Dewey:
- Rt 3: Outbound via Seneca Manor Drive, left on Hudson, right into northern entrance to Walmart Plaza, right on parking lot road to regular route; Inbound pattern no change
- Rt 15 (associated with Rt. 21 update): Outbound via West Broad, right on South Plymouth, left on Main; Inbound reverse
- Rt 21: Outbound via Plymouth to Lyell; Inbound via State Street to Main
Lexington On Demand Zone Hours Extended:
The hours will be updated to 5am-midnight, Monday-Friday.
Route 98 Lexington Commuter Trip Added:
A fourth trip, departing from the Eastman Hub at 7:45am, will be added to help with the morning commute.
Webster Rec Center added to Webster On Demand Zone:
The zone will now include the Webster Recreation Center.
Timing Adjustments for Routes 21 Dewey and 98 Lexington Commuter at Eastman Hub:
A minor timing adjustment is being made to help customers make transfers between routes.
Discontinuing Route 90 Avon/Rush Commuter:
This route is being discontinued due to low ridership. It makes 1 am and 1 pm trip, and averages 1 – 2 customers per trip.
Removing 2 Route 92 Hilton/Hamlin Trips:
Due to low ridership, two of the four weekday trips are being removed. Starting on January 3, customers will be able to take an Inbound trip from the Clarkson Highway Dept. at 5:57am, and an outbound trip from the Eastman Connection Hub at 6:07pm.
Customers are encouraged to contact RTS Customer Service with questions.
# # #
Back to all news