RPT GO announces updated services
December 6, 2024 — ROCHESTER, MINN. — To better serve the needs of residents in the southeast part of the city, Rochester Public Transit’s (RPT) on-demand transit service “RPT GO” has been modified in the following ways:
- Rochester Public Library is now an RPT GO hub, providing users with a convenient connection to downtown businesses and services, as well as RPT fixed routes originating at the Downtown Transit Center.
- This hub location replaces the Fairgrounds Park and Ride location.
- Hours of service have been expanded to 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday
- Originally, the service was offered from 5:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 to 6 p.m.
- Promo: 1 free round-trip ride in December 2024 (Code = RPTGOFREERIDE)
RPT launched RPT GO, a one-year microtransit pilot program in Southeast Rochester, in October. Microtransit is an on-demand transit service that allows passengers to schedule a same-day ride or at the time they need it anywhere within a designated zone. RPT customers can now book rides using the RPT GO mobile app or by calling 507-328-7433 to request one.
The RPT GO zone is contained in a triangular area south of 12 Street SE / Hwy. 14, west of 50 Avenue SE, and east of Badger Run Creek, including both sides of Marion Road. Users may travel inside the microtransit zone, from the microtransit zone to one of the five hubs (Cub Foods SE, RCTC, Mayo High School, Quarry Hill Park, or Rochester Public Library), or from any of the five hubs back to the microtransit zone.
RPT Mobility Coordinator Devin Laiho says, “We are excited to enhance RPT GO services to better meet our passengers' needs. By extending service hours and adding the Rochester Public Library as a new hub, we provide improved access to the places users need and want to go.”
Single-ride fare is $3, with children under five and personal care attendants riding free. RPT GO uses passenger vehicles, including two electric mid-size SUVs and a hybrid fuel van that is wheelchair accessible.
The program's budget is $831,250, with $465,000 coming from the Federal Carbon Reduction Program, $250,000 in State funding through the MnDOT Office of Transit and Active Transportation, and $116,250 from local sources.
RPT GO is scheduled to run for one year, from October 2024, through July 2025. During the pilot program Route 217, which traces the perimeter of the microtransit zone, will continue to operate.
Complete details are available at www.rptride.com.