August 27, 2021
The Rochester City School District school year starts September 8!
Students at Franklin High School, Monroe High School, School of the Arts, and Wilson Magnet can take RTS’ Neighborhood Direct Service (NDS) routes to school. NDS routes are open to the public; preview the route schedules.
Below is a list of schools whose students, that are eligible for transportation, will receive RTS/RCSD smartcard IDs to travel on RTS Connect or NDS. Info on how to use the passes is also below.
If your school is not on this list, please contact the RCSD Transportation Department at 585-336-4000 to learn about the options they have selected for your school.
Rochester City School District Schools
- Monroe Campus
- Franklin Campus
- Wilson Commencement High School
- School of the Arts
- All City High School
- School Without Walls
Private/Parochial Schools
- Aquinas Institute
- Bishop Kearney High School
- McQuaid Jesuit
- Our Lady of Mercy
Urban-Suburban Program Schools
- Brighton Middle School/ High School
- Dake Junior High School
- Eastridge High School
- East Rochester High School
Using RTS to Get to School!
Pass Types
Eligible students will receive one of three different RTS Smartcard ID passes. You can only use your pass Monday through Friday when school is in session.
The “No Downtown Pass,” is white. The pass is only valid on Neighborhood Direct Routes (NDS) routes going to and from your school. You cannot use the “No Downtown Pass” to travel through Downtown Rochester. Pass is valid for use on RTS Neighborhood Direct service only.
The “1 Hour Connection Pass,” which is grey, is valid from 5:30am to 9:30am at any RTS bus stop, including the RTS Transit Center. From 10:30am to 5:00pm, the pass is valid at the closest bus stop to the school printed on the pass, and at the RTS Transit Center. Pass is valid for use on RTS Connect service only.
The “Flex Pass,” which is green, is valid at any RTS bus stop, including the RTS Transit Center, from 5:30am to 7:00pm. Pass is valid for use on RTS Connect only.
Using the Smartcard ID Pass to Ride
Show your ID Pass to the Bus Operator when you board the bus, and make sure your photo is visible. After that, it’s “tap, beep, then take your seat.” Tap the RTS Smartcard ID Pass on the Validator, and you will hear a “beep” sound that confirms your card is valid.
If you are not entitled to transportation services on RTS, you will hear a“buzz.” In this case, you will have to pay $1 fare or exit the bus. If you try to use an ID Pass that is not yours, an ID Pass that has been tampered with, or an ID Pass that the validator indicates is not valid, the RTS Bus Operator is required to take it from you. Please remember that free transportation to school is a privilege, not a right. The privilege can be taken away for misusing your ID Pass or improper behavior.
About RTS 2+2 Activity Passes
If you participate in after school activities, you will receive an RTS 2+2 Activity Pass. The RTS 2+2 Activity Pass is for use on RTS Connect only and is valid from 3:30 pm until 9:00 pm during the week and all day on the weekends, as well as on holidays and during school breaks.
When boarding with an RTS 2+2 Activity Pass, you must first show your RTS Smartcard ID Pass to the Bus Operator, then tap the ID pass on the validator.
After showing your ID Pass, then tap the RTS 2+2 Pass on the validator.
If you have questions about taking RTS to school, please contact Customer Service at 585-288-1700.
We wish you a happy and healthy school year!
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