The change was made after the Whiteside County Board approved the annexation this past December. In January, the RMTD board unanimously approved the takeover. It will go into effect on July 1st, and RMTD will be the official name.
“Riders in Whiteside County shouldn’t notice much changing in how they get rides,” said Greg Gates, RMTD executive director. “We plan to have all the calls come into the center here in Dixon.”
The annexation will mean that RMTD’s number of riders will increase from 91,000 it currently serves a year to an estimated 127,000 after the organization adds WCPT’s 36,000 annual riders. The change will also mean RMTD will bring in over 14 to 15 WCPT employees, according to Gates. Currently, RMTD employs 30 people who handle the driving and call center duties.
The recent rise in gas prices has meant a few more calls for rides, according to Corrina Kanzler, a ride dispatcher for RMTD.
RMTD provides daily rides for students attending Sauk Valley Community College (SVCC) and Kishwaukee Community College (KCC). SVCC pickup and drop off for students is at the east entrance. RMTD drivers pick up and drop off students at Door 6 on the north end of the college’s student center. KCC students can purchase bus passes from the college’s business office in room C2140.
“Most of the employees that will be coming over from Whiteside will be drivers,” Gates said.
The cost per ride will stay the same, $2, when getting a ride within the rider’s zip code. Seniors, veterans, and the disabled are charged $1 for the same service. Rides outside of the rider’s zip code are charger 35-cents per additional mile. Seniors, veterans, and the disabled who have the cost for outside the zip code rides have their extra cost capped at $5.
“Our future goal is to make rides available where there currently are transportation deserts,” Gates said.
To get a ride, RMTD asks that riders call at least a day ahead. For more information or to schedule a ride, call 815-288-2117.
