Dayton Public Schools Board Greenlights Pilot Program: Students Riding RTA with New Badges

Published in Automotive and Transportation on Thursday, August 21st 2025 at 6:14 GMT by Dayton Daily News
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The Dayton Public Schools (DPS) district is taking a significant step towards easing transportation challenges and fostering community engagement by approving a pilot program allowing students to utilize the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) system. The initiative, unanimously approved by the DPS Board of Education on Wednesday, aims to provide a safe and accessible transportation option for students while also familiarizing them with public transit resources.

The core of the program revolves around student-specific RTA passes, which will be attached to school-issued badges. These badges, featuring a unique QR code linked to individual student accounts, will allow authorized ridership on RTA buses. The pilot program initially focuses on students attending Wilbur H. Smith and Thurgood Marshall high schools, with potential expansion to other DPS schools based on the program's success.

The genesis of this innovative approach stems from ongoing transportation difficulties within the district. DPS has faced persistent challenges in providing adequate bus service for all students, leading to late arrivals, missed classes, and increased parental stress. The RTA partnership offers a potential solution by leveraging existing public transit infrastructure to supplement traditional school buses.

"We've heard our families loud and clear about transportation concerns," stated Superintendent Rhon Gabbard during the board meeting. "This pilot program is a direct response to those concerns, offering a viable alternative for students who live within reasonable proximity to RTA routes." He emphasized that the program isn’t intended to replace school buses entirely but rather to provide an additional layer of accessibility and flexibility.

The implementation of the program involves several key components designed to ensure student safety and accountability. The badges will be strictly controlled, distributed only to registered students who meet specific eligibility criteria based on their residence and proximity to RTA routes. Parents must actively opt-in for their children to participate in the program, signifying their understanding of the rules and responsibilities associated with using public transportation.

RTA General Manager Mark Hancock expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting its potential benefits for both students and the transit agency. "We're excited to work with DPS on this initiative," Hancock said. “It’s a great opportunity to introduce young people to the convenience and sustainability of public transportation while also increasing ridership on our buses.” He noted that RTA staff will be trained to recognize student badges and provide assistance as needed.

The pilot program's cost is being shared between DPS and the RTA. The district is covering the expense of the badges, estimated at around $15 per student, while the RTA is providing free or discounted fares for participating students. Funding for the initiative comes from a combination of federal grants and district resources.

Beyond the immediate transportation benefits, the program aims to cultivate a sense of responsibility and independence among students. By navigating the RTA system, students will gain valuable life skills such as route planning, time management, and adherence to safety protocols. The badges also serve as a visual identifier for DPS students using public transit, potentially deterring inappropriate behavior and enhancing overall security.

The Board acknowledged concerns raised by some parents regarding student safety on buses and at bus stops. To address these anxieties, the program includes several layers of oversight. RTA police will increase their presence along key routes frequented by students. DPS administrators and school resource officers will also monitor student activity around bus stops and transit centers. Furthermore, a dedicated hotline has been established for parents to report any concerns or incidents related to the program.

The pilot program is slated to begin in late October, following a period of logistical preparation and staff training. The Board committed to ongoing evaluation of the program's effectiveness, with data collected on ridership numbers, student punctuality, safety incidents, and parent feedback. A comprehensive review will be conducted after six months to determine whether to expand the program district-wide or make adjustments based on initial findings. The initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to addressing transportation challenges within DPS while simultaneously promoting community engagement and fostering valuable life skills for students. The success of this pilot program could pave the way for similar partnerships between school districts and public transit agencies across the region, ultimately creating more accessible and sustainable transportation options for all.

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Dayton Public Schools Board Greenlights Pilot Program: Students Riding RTA with New Badges