New Rider Need To Knows
All riders wanting information on how best to utilize our service are encouraged to reach out to our Mobility Manager at 989-366-5309 option#9 to schedule your travel training. This is a free service to teach you how to get the most out of our service.
Hours
RCTA is open M-F 6am- 7pm and Sat 9am- 4pm (limited service)
Call ahead
RCTA offers same day transportation service however, due to increasing demand it is our highest recommendation that you call at least a business day in advance prior to your trip request in order to get on the schedule as we book up very quickly. For appointments it is recommended that you call as soon as you know the appointment details.
Scheduling
For best results, a 24 hour notice (previous business day) for trips scheduled is preferred. Rides to work, school or medical appointments should always be scheduled at least 24 hours in advanced to ensure they are on the schedule. RCTA will still make every attempt to schedule last minute trips when available.
No show/estimated time frames
RCTA is a demand response service meaning there are no real set routes due to the everchanging demand. The time frame the dispatcher gives you is a rough estimate based on current conditions. Should cancellations occur or a bus fall behind there is potential for changes in your pick up time. Your bus has a window of 15 minutes before and 15 minutes after your scheduled time that it could arrive depending on conditions. Please be watching for the bus during your time window. Upon arrival at the pick-up location buses will wait no more than 4 minutes for the passenger before they leave the location and the passenger is changed with a no show. Please be mindful that every minute the bus has to wait is another minute putting them behind schedule for future pick-ups. Should you acquire a no show that must be paid the next time you ride. If it is not paid, RCTA reserves the right to deny transportation until the account is paid off and may require payment be made at our office.
Canceling a bus
Please remember if you do not need your scheduled ride to call and cancel at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time. Should the bus arrive at your pick up or be less than 5 minutes away from your location prior to you canceling your trip you will be charged a no show.
Food/Drink
Please remember no eating or drinking while on the buses. Leaks or spills of food or drinks result in buses being taken out of service for cleaning.
Pay at Pick Up/No Change
Payment is required at the pick-up location. Driver’s do not carry change and are unable to break any bills. Should you not have exact change anything over your fare amount will be lost.
Online Scheduling
Online scheduling is now available. Go to our website roscota.net under accommodations to schedule a ride. Please remember that online scheduling requires a minimum of 72 hours prior to your requested trip in order to schedule so that there is adequate time to process your request and respond back to you.
Tokens
Tokens are one of the best deals as they never expire and you pay for 20 tokens but actually get 22 in a roll meaning you get 2 free tokens! Tokens Rolls are $20.00 each roll and worth $1.00 each token.
RCTA does not sell tokens individually.
Children under 14
Children under the age of 14 are not allowed to be left at their drop off location without a parent or other approved adult unless written permission is given or other arrangements have been made with dispatch.
Passwords
Passwords are a great way to protect your account and family members as it ensures that only someone with the password can schedule, change, or cancel rides.
NEMT
RCTA offers premium service transportation to and from medical appointments in county or out of county. Dial 366-5309 option 2 to speak with the Mobility Manager for more information. NEMT is available 24 hrs a day/ 7 days a week.
County line transfers
RCTA offers county line transfers between Ogemaw, Crawford, Gladwin, and Clare Counties. Please try to give both counties a minimum of a day’s notice to best accommodate your request as county lines are not frequent or daily occurrences. Please contact the county you are seeking a transfer with for available time frames then contact RCTA with the time frames provided and we will attempt to match what the transferring county has available. Please remember that both buses will charge their own fares based on your trip request details. County line transfers are not typically available on Saturdays as we run limited service.
Service Animals
Service animals are allowed on the bus. They must be under the complete control of their handler on the floor, the handler’s lap, or in a devise for animal transportation. Please do not allow service animals on the seats as they are reserved for passengers.
Covid precautions
Hand sanitizer dispensers have been added to the passenger entry way for your use. Buses are sanitized after every shift to reduce the spread of germs.