NEWPORT — Rural Community Transportation (RCT) has seen a significant increase in ridership since transitioning from its Highlander shuttle service to the more flexible RCT Rides program, officials reported during a community meeting Thursday.
At the informal discussion held in the Newport Municipal Building basement, RCT Public Relations Manager Lilias Ide said the new microtransit service is serving over 1,300 riders per month in the Newport area, up about 200 riders from when the program launched in August.
“We are able to serve more people now,” Ide said, noting that monthly ridership has now significantly surpassed the previous Highlander service.
The community meeting, which drew current riders and interested residents, focused on addressing questions about the transition from the fixed-route Highlander shuttle to the on-demand RCT Rides program. According to Ide, the switch was made to increase accessibility and provide more choices for passengers.
“It really gives people the opportunity to go where they want to go instead of where they kind of have to go,” she said. “With this huge service area where everything is so far apart, the ability to actually get from point A to point B for real, rather than have to catch a bus from point A to point B where they’re told they have to go.”
The RCT Rides program serves Derby Line, Derby, and Newport, operating Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding holidays. Rides can be scheduled through their mobile app or by calling RCT directly.
The service accommodates various transportation needs, including medical appointments, shopping trips, and job commutes.
Meeting attendees raised questions about funding sustainability of the service. The transportation provider reported that its efforts to increase carpooling have been successful, improving ride-sharing efficiency throughout the service area. However, representatives acknowledged that funding constraints remain the primary challenge for supporting future expansion of services.
Community members inquired about supporting older adults and non-tech-savvy individuals with the RCT Rides app. Officials responded that RCT staff are available to provide one-on-one assistance to those struggling with the technology. Additionally, the organization plans to distribute clearer instructions at community gathering places such as meal sites to help ensure all potential riders can access the service regardless of their technological proficiency.
Riders were told they should schedule ahead, ideally the day before, and clearly specify arrival times rather than pick-up times to ensure timely arrival. If riders finish early, they should contact RCT immediately to adjust their return ride.
Following the meeting, Ide highlighted the importance of community feedback in shaping RCT’s services, saying decisions are based on the community’s needs and the community’s input.
“To be able to connect with everyone and open the lines of communication is important for us,” she said. “And then for them to know that we’re listening to them and that we are taking their feedback into consideration is also important for them.”
