RTC launches new FlexRIDE, adjusts some routes

The Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County (RTC) is making changes to its service to improve transit access and passenger travel times and provide greater community-wide connectivity.

The following changes will be effective Saturday, May 2, 2020:

• FlexRIDE North Valleys: The RTC will launch a second microtransit pilot project, known as FlexRIDE, in the North Valleys area previously served by Route 17. FlexRIDE allows passengers to request rides at their closest curbside location and get dropped off at another curbside location within the microtransit service area. Rides can be requested on a smartphone using the TransLoc® app, by calling FlexRIDE dispatch at (775) 335-0035, or online by visiting https://ondemand.transloc.com. Watch this video to learn how to use the TransLoc® App to book your FlexRIDE. 
• RAPID Virginia Line: Restore 10-minute frequency.
• Route 7:  Reconfigure Route 7 to better serve the North Valleys and connections to the FlexRIDE pilot project. Route 7 will continue up to Lemmon Drive from Golden Valley Road. North Hills Boulevard will now be served by FlexRIDE.
• Route 9: Route 9 has been reconfigured to improve service to Renown Hospital. The route will now include travel on Second Street, Kirman Avenue and Mill Street.
• Route 13: Route 13’s loop near Wooster High School will change directions to drop passengers off on the same side of the street as the school to improve safety.
• Route 17: Discontinue Route 17. This area will be served by the new FlexRIDE service and the reconfigured Route 7.
• Route 25: Changing direction of the loop at the end of Route 25.
• Route 25L: Discontinue Route 25L – Reed High School a.m./p.m. bell-time service, Reed High School will continue to be served by FlexRIDE.
• All routes: Continuation of timetable adjustments to continue improving travel times and on-time performance.

New bus stop signs and materials will start to go up around the community about a week before the service change, but the changes will not go into effect until Saturday, May 2.

In addition, RTC is reminding the community of safety measures implemented to protect drivers and riders during the COVID-19 pandemic. These include the use of face coverings and enhanced and ongoing cleaning of buses, along with social distancing. For Coronavirus Precautions go to rtcwashoe.com and sign up for Transit Alerts.

The RTC encourages transit riders to check their routes to see the changes at rtcwashoe.com, or by calling RTC Customer Service at (775) 348-RIDE. New RTC Bus Books will be available for purchase at RTC CENTENNIAL PLAZA. The new RTC Bus Book is also available online.