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Dayton Public Schools Students to Ride Free on RTA Buses Starting September 1st

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Thursday, August 21st 2025 at 17:40 GMT by Dayton Daily News
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Dayton Public School (DPS) students are set to enjoy free bus transportation courtesy of the Regional Transit Authority (RTA), beginning September 1st. This significant partnership aims to improve student access, reduce financial burdens for families, and foster a stronger connection between the school district and the broader community. The initiative, years in the making, represents a substantial investment in the well-being and educational opportunities available to DPS students.

The agreement, formally approved by both the RTA Board of Trustees and the Dayton Public Schools Board of Education, will provide free access to all RTA fixed route bus services for currently enrolled DPS students. This includes general education, special needs, and early college high school students attending schools within the district’s boundaries. The program is designed to cover a wide range of transportation needs, from getting to and from school to participating in extracurricular activities and accessing community resources.

The genesis of this partnership dates back several years, with discussions initially surfacing around 2019. However, various challenges, including funding uncertainties and logistical considerations, delayed its implementation. The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated matters, forcing both organizations to prioritize immediate health and safety concerns. Now, with renewed focus and secured funding, the program is finally ready to launch.

The financial commitment behind this initiative is considerable. RTA will allocate approximately $3.2 million annually for the first three years of the agreement. This substantial investment underscores the agency’s dedication to supporting education and community development within the region. DPS, in turn, has committed to providing data on student ridership to help RTA optimize routes and service levels.

"This is a game-changer for our students and their families," stated Superintendent Rhonda Corr in a press release announcing the partnership. "Transportation can be a significant barrier to education, particularly for those facing financial hardship. By removing this obstacle, we're leveling the playing field and ensuring that all DPS students have equal access to opportunities."

The benefits extend beyond just easing the financial strain on families. The free bus passes are expected to improve student attendance rates, reduce tardiness, and enhance overall academic performance. Furthermore, it’s anticipated that increased ridership will benefit RTA by boosting revenue and increasing visibility within the community.

RTA CEO Mark Hancock echoed Corr's sentiments, emphasizing the shared commitment to supporting the Dayton community. "We believe this partnership is a vital investment in our city's future," he said. “It demonstrates our dedication to providing accessible transportation options for all residents, especially those who need it most.”

To ensure smooth implementation and student safety, both DPS and RTA are working closely together on several key aspects. These include developing clear guidelines for student ridership, educating students about bus safety protocols, and establishing communication channels for addressing any concerns or issues that may arise. DPS will distribute the free bus passes to students at the beginning of the school year. Students will be required to present their pass to RTA drivers when boarding buses.

The program’s success hinges on collaboration and ongoing evaluation. Both organizations are committed to monitoring ridership data, gathering feedback from students and families, and making adjustments as needed to maximize its impact. The initial three-year agreement includes provisions for review and potential renewal based on performance metrics.

This initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing transportation challenges within the Dayton Public School district. By partnering with RTA, DPS is not only providing much-needed support to students and families but also fostering a stronger sense of community and investing in the future of education in the region. The program’s launch on September 1st marks an exciting new chapter for both organizations and promises to have a lasting positive impact on the lives of countless DPS students.