The tally is in, and many people rang in 2015 responsibly by taking RTC transit services. The RTC Free New Year’s Eve Safe RIDE service experienced record ridership. Transit services were free from 6 p.m. on New Year Eve to 2 a.m. on New Year’s Day. During this time 12,386 rides were taken on the system.
Launched 30 years ago as a way to keep revelers from driving impaired and our roadways safe, records date back to 1988 and show no other year experienced more ridership.
This was a great opportunity for people who may not have every used transit to try it out for the first time, and the RTC encourages them to return as regular customers.
This service would not have been possible without our event partners including: Renown Health, the Northern Nevada DUI Task Force, KOLO 8, Wood Rodgers, Inc., Club Cal Neva, REMSA, Morrey Distributing, Cumulous Media, Reno Firefighters Local 731, the RSCVA and Reno News & Review.
Ridership continues to steadily increase as more people become aware of it as evidenced by the approximately two thousand more rides taken this year compared to 2013. The Safe RIDE program complements the statewide Zero Fatalities initiative.
To celebrate the three decade milestone event, the RTC created video presentations with the help from our sponsors, riders, elected leaders, media personalities and RTC board members and staff. They may be viewed by following RTC on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Additionally, marketing collateral (flyers and route/schedule posters) were distributed throughout the community at gaming establishments, area bars and shopping centers. Washoe County and the cities of Reno and Sparks also partnered with RTC to promote the service through their social media pages.
A special acknowledgement should also be given to these establishments for promoting the service via their outdoor electronic marquees: Atlantis, Baldini’s, Grand Sierra Resort, Lawlor Events Center, Peppermill and the Nevada Department of Transportation.
The next Safe RIDE event is scheduled for St. Patrick’s Day. For route and schedule information click here.
The Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County, Nevada serves the citizens of Reno, Sparks and unincorporated areas of Washoe County. As the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for the region, the RTC provides leadership in planning, public policy development and implementation of quality transportation systems through a commitment to excellence and stewardship to meet the community’s present and future transportation needs. For more information about RTC projects visit rtcwashoe.com and sign up for free email updates using MyRTC or call 775-348-0400.
