Schedules and Routes
Q: How can I plan my trip if I am new to the RTS system?
A: Try the RTS online trip planner! Go to the Trip Planner on the GNVRideRTS app (available for Apple and Android) or visit the website at RideRTS.app, where you can enter your starting location and destination and find bus stop locations, fare costs, transfers, travel time and more.
Q: I found the schedule online, but I am having trouble understanding it. What should I do now?
A: If you need help with a bus schedule or route, you can call Customer Service at the Rosa Parks Downtown Station at (352) 334-2600 between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Downtown Station is closed on weekends, but you can always refer to the GNVRideRTS Trip Planner on the GNVRideRTS app (available for Apple and Android) or on our website.
Fares and Passes
Q: Where can bus passes be purchased?
A: All Day, Half Fare, Monthly and Semester passes may be purchased at the Rosa Parks Downtown Station located at 700 SE 3rd Street and the Butler Plaza Station located at 4231 SW 30th Ave. Only all day passes may be purchased from the bus driver for $3.
Q: Can bus passes be purchased online?
A: Yes using the GoRTSFares app available for Apple and Android).
Q: How long is a bus pass valid?
A: It depends on which pass is purchased. All Day, Monthly and Semester passes are available. All day passes are valid for 24 hour after the 1st use. Monthly passes are valid for 31 days after the 1st use. Semester passes are valid through the University of Florida/Santa Fe College semester (Spring, Summer or Fall).
Q: My pass is damaged, stolen, or lost can I get a replacement?
A: Unfortunately, RTS does not issue replacement bus passes. You will have to purchase a new pass to ride the bus. Think of the bus pass as an extension of your driver’s license… if you lose it, or it becomes damaged, then you need to purchase a replacement.
Services and Facilities
Q: Where is the Rosa Parks Downtown Station located?
A: The Rosa Parks Downtown Station is located at 700 SE 3rd St. at the corner of Depot Ave. and 3rd St. Click here for a map.
Q: When is the Rosa Parks Downtown Station ticket office open?
A: Monday – Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Closed on weekends.
Q: What are the hours of operation for RTS administration?
A: RTS administration operates from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Q: I left my cell phone or my Gator 1 ID on the bus! What should I do?
A: We try to return as many items as we can, but RTS is not responsible for items left on the bus. If you lose an item, call (352) 334-2600 and follow the phone prompts to reach our Lost and Found. Everything turned in from an RTS bus is available to be picked up Mon. – Fri., 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (except holidays) at 34 SE 13th Road. Lost items may not be available for pick up until the following day. Items other than Gator 1 ID cards are held for 30 days. Gator 1 ID cards are turned in to the ID office at the Reitz Union every Monday. You can also meet the bus anywhere along the route and ask the driver. Please do not ask the staff to contact the buses for lost items as RTS policy prohibits them from doing so.
Q: What other services besides fixed route service does RTS offer?
A: RTS offers several services, including complementary paratransit service for ADA approved citizens.
Q: How do I get an ADA ID card?
A: Please call the Center for Independent Living at (352) 378-7474 to set an appointment to become ADA Certified and receive your card.
Storm Policy
- Bus service is suspended when winds reach sustained 35 mph Bus service is suspended when winds reach sustained 35 mph
- May ask operator to find suitable shelter or buses return to RTS facility
- Patrons on buses are taken to final destination or must shelter on bus in extreme situations
- If main facility is damaged, then have buses staged at other locations so that we can assist with evacuations or other needs
- We have not had an instance where UF/SFC classes were in session and the policy was implemented.
- Notification of suspension of service goes out through GNVrideRTS.app, rideRTS.app, Facebook, www.go-rts.com or the City of Gainesville website https://www.gainesvillefl.gov/Home
Job Opportunities and Involvement
Q: How can I become more involved with RTS planning decisions and provide citizen feedback?
A: RTS holds periodic Citizens Advisory Board (CAB) meetings where RTS staff updates the public on RTS projects and initiatives, as well as planning issues. RTS also conducts online surveys and Facebook discussions for customer feedback; we also hold public meetings and events for current and upcoming projects. Feedback may also be sent to us via our website in the Contact Us section.
Q: I am interested in joining the RTS operations team. How do I apply?
A: Go to www.cityofgainesville.org, and click the employment icon at the top of the page. Then look for the position for which you wish to apply, and fill out an online application.
Rider Questions
Q: Why do I sometimes see empty RTS buses?
A: Empty buses are typically on the way to our maintenance facility for repair or it is the end of their scheduled route. In the morning, empty buses are seen going to the beginning point of their route. During our peak times, many people are heading to major destinations such as UF. Then on the return route the bus could be empty. This video from PTSA, our sister in the Tampa area, further discusses empty buses and provides answers to other transit questions.
Q: Why do I sometimes see RTS buses sitting on the side of the road?
A: Like all of us our drivers need to use the restroom or have something to eat, typically this is why the bus is on the side of the road. Sometimes our buses are running ahead of schedule and are waiting so they do not arrive to bus stops early.
Q: Who decides which stops have amenities?
A: RTS strives to continually improve all bus stops. You may see updated bus shelters installed near new businesses because construction often is required to provide public transit shelters as part of the permitting process. Other stops are being improved as our budget allows. We concentrate on safety and accessibility concerns first and then how many people use the stop when designating ones for upgrades.
Q: Why does the bus driver sometimes pass me or leave me behind?
A: During peak times, the bus may be full and not able to accept any more passengers. Please note the front marquee of the bus as it should read “Full Bus” as it passes by.
Another reason is safety. If the bus has already pulled away from the curb, then it may not be safe to let you on. We do not want passengers running through traffic to catch a bus. A good rule is: If you have to run for it, then wait for the next one. It is not worth the risk.
Q: Is the University of Florida or Santa Fe Transportation Fee related to the RTS service?
A: Yes, the UF or SF Transportation Fee allows anyone with a UF or SF student ID unlimited access to our bus service. The fee itself is evaluated each year and adjusted according to the services provided by RTS or requested by the UF or SF Transportation Fee Committee.
Rules of the Road
Carts, strollers, luggage and oversize backpacks are allowed as long as they are able to be folded, stowed or personally held (setting in adjacent seat is not proper) without blocking aisles (FDOT Reg. 392.62). If items block the aisles or cannot be properly stowed, then service may be denied.
Riders shall maintain appropriate, reasonable personal hygiene. If riders have offensive odor, open or seeping sores or are leaking bodily fluids, for health and safety reasons, RTS can refuse service until the situation has been contained or corrected.
Rider Personal Belongings
Personal belongings are the rider’s sole responsibility. Only those items that can be personally managed by the passenger and his or her PCA or escort will be transported. Passengers may not bring objects on-board an RTS vehicle which block an aisle or stairway or occupy a seat, if to do so would cause a danger to or displace passengers or expected passengers. Keep in mind that this is a shared-ride service and space is limited. Grocery store carts are not permitted on vehicles, but you may bring packages on-board in a personal two-wheeled, collapsible cart. If you are bringing a cart with you on an RTS paratransit vehicle, let the reservationists know when you request your transportation.
Please remember to take all your belongings and report any suspicious packages or activity to the driver immediately.
Arrive On Time
Be at your bus stop five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. When you see your bus approaching, stand by the bus stop sign, that way our drivers will know to stop and pick you up.
Help us stay on schedule by having the exact fare, your pass, ADA card, Gator 1 or SF ID ready when the bus stops and the doors open. As you board, just show your ID card or pass to the driver, or drop the correct fare into the farebox. Remember, bus drivers don’t carry change, so you’ll need the correct fare.
Check the electronic destination signs on the front and sides of each bus to make sure you’re boarding the right one. (We’d hate to take you somewhere you don’t want to go.)
Feel free to bring your radio, CD, tape player, MP3 or iPod. Use of headphones is required, and the music must not interfere with the bus operator and/or other passengers. (Everyone loves music, just not as loud as you do.)
Please do not leave newspapers or beverage containers on the bus.
Eating and smoking are not permitted on RTS buses. Non alcoholic Beverages are allowed, as long as they’re in a securely covered drink container as approved by RTS officials.
Please be considerate of others and keep your feet off the bus seats.
Buses move, sometimes unexpectedly. Please remain seated, or if you have to stand, hold on to a support at all times.
No pets are allowed on RTS buses unless they are in a carrier. Service animals are allowed.
As the bus approaches your destination, pull the buzzer cord or press the bar located above the windows. This lets the driver know that your stop is coming. Try to do this about one block before your destination so the driver can make a smooth stop.
For your safety, please exit through the rear doors and step clear of the bus. After exiting, do not cross in front of the bus. Wait for traffic to clear before attempting to cross the road.
Passengers should dress properly to ride the bus. This means shirts, shoes and pants are required. Light colored clothing should be worn at night for visibility.
Remember to Take Your Items with You
Don’t forget to take your things with you when you leave the bus. We try to return as many items as we can, but RTS is not responsible for items left on the bus. If you lose an item, call (352) 393-7850 to reach Lost & Found. Everything turned in from an RTS bus is available to be picked up Mon. – Fri., 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (except holidays) at 34 SE 13th Road. Lost articles may not be available for pick up until the following day. Items except for Gator 1 and SF ID cards are held for 30 days. Gator 1 ID cards will be turned in to the Reitz Union ID office every Monday. SF ID cards will be turned in to the Santa Fe ID office every Monday.
On each bus, you’ll notice several seats near the front designated for use by the elderly and people with disabilities. As a courtesy, please keep these seats open for those who might need them.
A wheelchair or mobility device is defined in § 37.3 as “a mobility aid belonging to any class of three- or more-wheeled devices, usable indoors, designed or modified for and used by individuals with mobility impairments, whether operated manually or powered. ”Passengers whose wheelchairs exceed the 600lbs weight limits (both Chair and Rider) will be asked to use the paratransit service. Not all RTS bus lifts and ramps are not rated to lift more than 600lbs. If the rider and chair exceed 600 lbs and the rider is able to get out of their mobility device and is able to stand on the lift they can enter the vehicle and ride.
For the safety of our passengers, when boarding, riding and alighting the bus, only one person is allowed in the wheelchair or scooter. Passengers in a wheelchair or scooter traveling with children who are unable to board the bus without assistance should travel with a PCA. Service may be refused for passengers who do not comply
The ADA requires public entities to make “reasonable modifications” in their usual ways of doing things, when necessary, to accommodate people who have disabilities. The exception is if the public entity can demonstrate that making the modifications would fundamentally alter the nature of the service, program, or activity. If you have a request for a reasonable modification, contact the ADA Transit Coordinator at (352) 393-7826.
Please feel free to use your cell phone while on the bus, however, your conversation should not be so loud that it interferes with the bus operator and/or other passengers. Remember, everyone is not interested in your conversation.
We thank you for your patronage and helping our drivers stay on schedule by following the above rules.
RTS will transport battery-powered bicycles in the bicycle rack and inside RTS buses.
- Bike wheels must fit securely in the rack and be secured by the support arm as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Bike accessories, baskets, etc. must be secure and not obstruct the view of the Operator.
- Removing the battery is optional.
- Battery-powered bicycles are limited to one per rack. If the rack is full, customers should be prepared to wait for the next bus or choose a safe location to lock up their bicycle.
- Battery-powered or standard bicycles that fold and can be kept out of the aisles may be brought onboard.
- Battery-powered or standard two-wheeled scooters that fold and can be kept out of the aisles may be brought onboard.
- Gas-powered bicycles are not permitted.
Have a question that isn’t addressed here? Call RTS Customer Service at (352) 334-2600.