RCT Flex

RCT Flex Pilot Program

Need a ride for the early/late shift? Try our workforce pilot starting May 4th.

Getting to work just got easier. RCT Flex is a new one-year pilot program offering early-morning and late-evening bus service in Mansfield – designed to connect residents to jobs, essential services, and key destinations when traditional transit isn’t running.

Whether you’re heading to a shift, the grocery store, or a medical appointment, RCT Flex provides more options, more flexibility, and more access.

Paid for with a grant from the Federal Transit Administration and The University of Minnesota.

1-year Pilot

  • New early/late loop routes
    • Two 1-hour loop routes
    • Same fares/bus passes as daytime
  • Deviated routes (learn more)
    • Pickup near home within 1/4 mile buffer
    • Pay a small premium, schedule ahead
  • For workers and public use

Hours

  • Early morning – 4:30am-7:30am
  • Late evening – 6:15pm-11:00pm
  • New mid-day runs of Route 15

Ready to Ride?

  • Plan your trip by reviewing routes and schedules below
  • Request a route deviation (pickup closer to home) by calling 419-522-4504 at least 24 hours in advance
  • Pay your fare your way—with cash or the EZFare app
  • Stay updated on route changes and service alerts by following RCT on Facebook

Start riding RCT Flex on May 4 and discover a more flexible way to get around Mansfield.

Flex Routes Map (click here) 

MATI Route Schedule (click here) 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RCT Flex?

RCT Flex is a one-year pilot program that provides early morning and late evening bus service in Mansfield. It is designed to help residents get to work, especially for second, third, and early first shift jobs.

When does RCT Flex start?

RCT Flex service begins May 4.

What hours does RCT Flex operate?

RCT Flex runs Monday through Friday during extended hours:

  • Morning: 4:30am – 7:00am
  • Evening: 6:15pm – 11:15pm

These hours are before and after RCT’s regular daytime service.

What routes are included in RCT Flex?

There are two Flex routes:

  • Route 17 (Industrial Link):
    Serves the Mansfield Industrial Park (same as Route 15 during the day) and travels south to Cook Road, serving several apartment complexes
  • Route 18 (City Heart Line):
    Runs between Home Road and Newman Street, including Longview, grocery stores, and OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital

How often do the buses run?

Each route operates on a one-hour loop, meaning buses arrive at the same location once every hour.

Where can I transfer between routes?

Transfers are available at:

  • RCT Transit Center (74 S. Diamond St)
  • Longview & Main

Can the bus pick me up closer to my home?

Yes, RCT Flex offers route deviations, which allow the bus to pick you up closer to your location. (See policies and procedures)

Here’s how it works:

  • Available within ¼ mile of a Flex route
  • Must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance
  • Call 419-522-4504 to request
  • Limited number of deviations per hour
  • $2 additional fee per trip

Why were these routes chosen?

RCT Flex routes were designed to serve:

  • Employers with non-traditional work shifts
  • Neighborhoods where many residents do not have access to a car

Based on U.S. Census data:

  • 16,800 jobs are within ½ mile of the routes
  • 31,800 residents live within ½ mile
  • 11% of households in the area do not have a car

Are there any changes to other routes?

Yes. Additional trips have been added to Route 15 (Airport Industrial Park) to better match shift changes:

  • Morning: 6:30am and 7:00am
  • Afternoon: 1:30pm, 2:00pm, 2:30pm, 3:00pm, 3:30pm, and 4:00pm

Are there any changes to other routes?

Yes. Additional trips have been added to Route 15 (Airport Industrial Park) to better match shift changes:

  • Morning: 6:30am and 7:00am
  • Afternoon: 1:30pm, 2:00pm, 2:30pm, 3:00pm, 3:30pm, and 4:00pm

Where are the bus stops?

RCT Flex uses “flag stops,” meaning:

  • You can board the bus anywhere along the route
  • You do not need to stand at a marked bus stop
  • Simply stand on the correct side of the street and wave to signal the driver

How much does it cost to ride?

Fares are the same as regular RCT service:

  • One-way trip: $2
    • $1 for youth (up to 18), seniors (65+), and riders with disabilities
  • Day pass: $5
    • $2.50 for youth, seniors, and disabled riders
  • Monthly pass: $50
    • $25 for youth, seniors, and disabled riders

Note: Route deviations cost an additional $2 per trip.

How can I pay my fare?

You can pay using:

  • Cash
  • EZFare mobile app, which accepts:
    • Credit/debit cards
    • Apple Pay
    • Google Pay
    • Cash (through retail partners)

How can I pay my fare?

You can pay using:

  • Cash
  • EZFare mobile app, which accepts:
    • Credit/debit cards
    • Apple Pay
    • Google Pay
    • Cash (through retail partners)

Who should use RCT Flex?

RCT Flex is ideal for:

  • Workers with early morning or late evening shifts
  • Residents without access to a car
  • Anyone needing flexible, convenient transit outside regular service hours

RCT Flex Deviated Fixed Route Rider Policy and Procedures

Deviation Parameters: Upon request by any rider, Richland County Transit will deviate up to 1/4-mile from any established RCT Flex deviated fixed route.

Deviation Request Procedures: Riders may request a route deviation by calling Richland County Transit at (419-522-4504) at least 24 hours before the desired trip. The rider will be assigned a pick-up window. Riders will be required to travel to the curb outside of their trip origin in time for their scheduled pick-up. Vehicles operating on route deviation service will be unable to wait for a passenger who is not at the pre-arranged stop on time. RCT will provide route deviations based on availability.

Passenger Assistance: Route deviation services will be provided on a curb-to-curb basis. Richland County Transit drivers will assist riders with disabilities in boarding and disembarking from vehicles and in securing wheelchairs. All drivers who operate Richland County Transit services will be proficiently trained in passenger assistance and sensitivity towards persons with disabilities.

Flag Stop Procedures: Riders can also access RCT Flex deviated routes from anywhere along the route without advanced request. It is not required that riders walk to a bus stop. Riders must be on the proper (door) side of the street, and simply flag the driver by waving as the bus is approaching.

Fares: The one-way fare for riding the route deviation service without requesting a deviation is $2 for adults, or $1 for youth (up to 18), seniors (65+), and disabled riders. A monthly bus pass offering unlimited trips in a calendar month is available for $50 or $25 for seniors, youth and disabled.

The additional one-way fare with route deviations is $2. The total cost for a one-way fare with route deviations is $4 per trip ($3 for youth, seniors and disabled riders).