The Greater Dayton RTA’s new summer passport is just the ticket for area teens to get where they want to go this summer. The pilot program will provide unlimited travel option for three months for the low price of $55.
RTA launched the pilot program on May 19 at a press conference at Wright Stop Plaza. Local officials helped CEO Mark Donaghy kick off the program with encouraging words for RTA and the City of Dayton.
“We can always count on RTA to take action to help our young people,” said Mayor Nan Whaley. She noted that kids need to get to summer programs, work programs, and summer camps. “RTA finds ways to engage the young people in our city, even in the summertime when they’re not in school,” she added.
Mayor Nan Whaley, County Commissioner Judy Dodge, YouthWorks Superintendent Rocky Rockhold, and Mark Donaghy were on hand to support the Summer Passport launch.
Area students between the ages of 13 and 18 are eligible. The Summer Passport ensures a summer of carefree travel for students on any fixed route and at any time between June 1 and August 31.
Students who wish to travel to jobs, parks, libraries, movies or malls will enjoy the freedom the RTA Summer Passport affords. The low price is an incentive to launch the test program and encourage youth to explore all the opportunities available in and around Dayton.
“This is an exciting summer for Dayton area kids,” said RTA Chief Executive Officer Mark Donaghy. “We’re pleased to be able to help them go to where they need to go this summer.” He mentioned that could include jobs, parks, events, and malls. RTA is partnering with locals schools and organizations to promote the program to eligible students.
The theme for the RTA Summer Pass is “You don’t need a reason – you need a ride!” RTA Marketing has focused on the lack of transportation as the reason area young people may not take advantage of work opportunities.
“People should be looking forward to buying passes and getting their kids on buses this summer,” Donaghy said.“It frees up parents and grandparents from transporting teenagers, saves money on gas, saves time, and instills independence among our young people,” he added.
Summer Passport passes may be purchased at the Wright Stop Plaza ticket window between the hours of 6 am and 7 pm Monday through Saturday. They are also available at the Northwest Transit Center ticket window every day between 4:30 am and 11 pm.
Summer Passports will go on sale beginning May 23. Students must show a picture school ID, a driver’s license, or an Ohio ID along with their Summer Passport to board an RTA bus.
