FAQ – NEW RTA SERVICES
What are the new changes and when do they start?
The new RTA Route 9 weekday service starts on Friday, September 1st, 2006. The new Route 9 Saturday service, as well as minor changes to the Saturday Route 12 timetable, will begin Saturday, September 2nd. The new pilot Sunday service (on RTA Routes 9, 10 and 12) will begin on Sunday September 3rd and continue for six months (all trips will be free on any Sunday in September). Sunday service will be evaluated at the end of the pilot program (February 2007). The new Sunday timetable will be the same as Saturday. The new North County Shuttle (NCS) service started August 14, 2006.
How will the new Route 9 service affect passengers?
Local service on El Camino Real north of Atascadero City Hall @ Santa Cruz, Cuesta College (north campus), downtown Templeton, Twin Cities Community Hospital, Paso Robles Target store, Niblick/Creston Road loop and 34th & Spring Street (at the north end of Paso Robles) will be shifted to the new NCS effective September 1st. By shifting local service to the new NCS, Route 9 is able to offer hourly service weekdays between approximately 6:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M., reduced travel times between Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo and new Saturday service (and Sunday during the pilot program) to San Miguel. There will also be improved weekday connectivity with RTA Route 10 and Route 12.
Will passengers be able to use RTA passes on the new North County Shuttle?
The RTA Regional Pass will be accepted on the new Shuttle, starting September 1st. This pass starts on the 1st of each month and is $50, $25 for disabled, senior and students (K-12). This pass can be used for unlimited rides on all RTA buses, SCAT buses and SLO Transit buses, and on Paso Robles Transit A & B routes.
Is there a transfer fee?
There is a 75 cent fee to transfer between systems. Passengers must ask their driver for the transfer when boarding the bus.
What are the transfer points between the RTA service and the North County Shuttle?
Las Tablas Park & Ride will be the main transfer site and passengers will be able to connect weekdays with both northbound and southbound Route 9 and North County Shuttle buses at thirty minutes past each hour. On Saturday, the NCS will meet the southbound Route 9 at the Park & Ride at 11:55 a.m. and 3:55 p.m. and the northbound Route 9 at 2:07 p.m. The NCS does not operate on Sundays.
Where can I find updated schedules?
RTA schedules will be on the buses by Monday. August 29 and can be found at www.slorta.org and North County Shuttle schedules can be found at http://www.prcity.com/government/departments/adminservices/transit.asp. RTA will be distributing new schedules throughout the County during the last week of August and there will be a Rider Alert, with the timetable, on board all buses by Friday, August 18.
Are there any other changes?
The Route 12 Saturday timetable will add additional trips to Morro Bay. This change may affect travel times slightly.
What is the difference between a monthly, a punch pass and a regional pass?
A monthly pass starts on the 1st of each month and can be used for unlimited rides on one RTA route (this is more suitable for passengers who are commuting to work or school each workday). The punch pass has $36.00 of rides, which are punched out by the driver, and can be used on any RTA route. This pass has no expiration date (this pass is used by passengers who only travel a few times each month but has the flexibility to be used on more than one RTA route). The regional pass also starts on the 1st of each month and can be used for unlimited rides on any RTA route, any SCAT route and SLO Transit routes, NCS & Paso Robles Transit A & B routes.
What documentation is required to be eligible for disabled status?
There is a short form to be completed and RTA requires a copy of either a letter on VA letterhead or a VA card showing disabled veteran status, copy of disabled DMV placard, copy of Medicare card (NOT Medi-Cal), copy of a Social Security letter showing applicant is receiving payments, copy of ADA card, copy of a Braille Institute card, copy of another Transit Agency card or copy of proof of disability from the Department of Rehabilitation. If none of these documents are available we also have a Medical form which can be completed by the applicant’s Doctor.
Are there any other discounts?
Students and staff at Cal Poly can purchase both RTA monthly and punch passes at the Administration Building for $15.00 Students at Cuesta can purchase RTA punch passes for $26.00 (also at the Cuesta Administration Building). RTA also has day passes for $4 which allows the purchaser to travel anywhere on the RTA routes for one specific day. RTA also offers a VIP Gold Pass for passengers who have reached 80 years of age. This pass is good for free rides on RTA and SCAT routes. The applicant has to come to our San Luis Obispo office to fill out an application, have a copy made of their ID and have their photograph taken so the pass can be created.