RTA scales back service to deal with COVID increases

January 03, 2022

For Immediate Release

MEDIA CONTACT:  Jessica Olson (937) 425-8352, Communications Manager

(DAYTON, Ohio) — The Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority (RTA) will temporarily reduce services in order to balance a reduction in manpower availability due to pressures from increased absenteeism and lower ridership associated with ongoing the COVID-19 pandemic. These reductions will begin January 10, 2022.  

This reduction will result in most Routes, excluding 22, 43, 55 and the Flyer, operating on a Saturday service schedule six days a week, Monday through Saturday. This will reduce frequencies on many routes and require less bus drivers to operate. This change is due to reduced staff available to drive bus routes and support RTA’s operations due to increased COVID cases in our service area. As of Dec. 31, 2021, about 90% of the agency’s employees were vaccinated against COVID-19.

The temporary service adjustments are as follows:

Day Frequency (5:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.)

Route 1: 40 minutes

Routes 2, 4, 12: 45 minutes

Route 7: 34 minutes

Route 8: 28 minutes

Route 9: 42 minutes

Route 11, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19: 100 minutes

Route 34: 90 minutes

Night Frequency (6:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.)

Routes 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 9, 12: 75 minutes

Route 11, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19: 100 minutes

Route 34: 90 minutes

Routes 22 and 43 will operate on a normal weekday schedule. Frequency on Route 55 and the Flyer will not change. Sunday service is not impacted.

These changes are to ensure RTA has enough vaccinated and healthy staff to provide services. You can find your route information at www.iriderta.org.