How to Ride

Fixed and deviated fixed-routes run on a published schedule and may be used by flagging down the bus as it nears. No reservations are required for pick ups along the published route. Routes connect at the Middletown Transportation Center, Old Saybrook train station or Madison Scranton Gazebo, where connections can be made between routes. Many routes offer additional connections to other transit services at alternate locations.

 

  • Flag Stops

    Although some stops are marked with a RVT bus stop sign, RVT routes will stop at any safe location along the published route, unless otherwise indicated or in private parking lots. To flag down the bus, simply wave vigorously as the bus approaches. Please be on the same side of the road as the bus. The bus cannot wait for you to cross the street due to safety reasons. Drivers have the right to deem a stop safe or unsafe for pick up/drop off.  In private parking lots, such as shopping or medical centers, stops are limited to a designate bus stop.

    Do not wait on a curve, near an intersection, on a bridge, or by a guard rail. Buses cannot block a road.

  • Using the Schedule

    Each route schedule lists scheduled stops along the route. The time listed is the time the bus will depart the scheduled stop. Locate the scheduled stop nearest your departure point to estimate when it will arrive.

    Always plan to be outside along the route at least five minutes early.

  • By Requet Stops

    Any stop listed as “by request” is not serviced unless requested. To be picked up at a “by request” stop, call dispatch at (860) 510-0429 at least 30 minutes in advance of the scheduled time. To be dropped off at a “by request” stop, inform the driver when you board the bus. There is no additional fare for “by request” stops.

  • Bags and Personal Items

    Limit bags, groceries, personal items, to what you can carry on when you board. Keep items in your lap or on the floor by your feet and keep the aisle clear.

  • Bicycle Racks

    All RVT buses are equipped with bike racks. These racks are available for use at no additional charge.

     

    How to Use the Bike Racks:

    As the bus approaches, have your bike ready to load. Remove water bottles, pumps, or other loose items.

    Inform the driver that you will be loading or unloading a bicycle.

    Pull the handle in the center of the rack and pull the rack down.

    Load only from the curb side of the vehicle.

    Place bicycle in the inside slot of rack of empty.

    Pull the support arm over the front tire, ensuring that it is not on the fender or frame.

    After removing your bicycle, pull the handle to lift the rack back up to the stowed position.

    Watch Video Tutorial
  • Off-Route Service

    In addition to providing service along the published route, deviated fixed-routes will also provide service off route up to ¾ miles from the published route. All off-route stops must be scheduled by calling RVT’s dispatcher or booking online at least one day prior and require an additional fare. Fixed routes offer ADA complimentary paratransit instead of off-route service.

  • ADA Paratransit

    Passengers with a disability preventing them from using fixed route service may be eligible for ADA paratransit service. The service is available within ¾ mile of the any fixed route. For more information and to apply for eligibility, visit the Paratransit page.

  • Accessibility

    Wheelchair lifts are available on all RVT buses and may be used by anyone on request. Drivers are also available to provide assistance to those who need it. Passengers who are unable to access a bus stop may request an off-route pick-up. Schedules are available in alternate format on request.  Complimentary ADA Paratransit service is available along fixed route for people who are unable to use the regular fixed route bus due to a disability.

  • Dial-A-Ride

    In addition to shuttles, RVT offers door-to-door shared ride service to and from anywhere within the nine town region. Reservations must be made by calling RVT dispatch at (860) 510-0429 at least one day in advance. Reservations may also be made on online by using the Make A Reservation feature. Trips may be booked by phone Monday through Friday, 7am to 4pm.

  • Holidays

    RVT does not operate on the following holidays: New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

  • ParkConneCT

    RVT partners with CTDOT and CTDEEP to provide seasonal service to Hamonasset State Park. Three routes, including a replica open air trolley, operate seasonally throughout the region directly into Hamonasset.

  • Service Animals

    Service animals are welcomed on all services to assist individuals with disabilities. Service animals must remain on a leash and/or under the full control to the owner at all times. No other animals are permitted.

  • Taxi Vouchers

    RVT offers a voucher to cover half the cost of taxi rides anywhere in Connecticut, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. RVT’s taxi provider has wheelchair accessible taxis available.  Learn more on the Taxi Voucher page.

  • Travel Training

    Need help planning your first transit trip? RVT provides free travel training through the Kennedy Center to persons with disabilities and seniors. Their transit experts will plan your trip for you and even ride the first time with you! It’s great for person’s with disabilities or anyone a little nervous about that first ride. Call the Kennedy Center at (203) 365-8522 x265 for more information or visit their website.

  • Where’s My Ride?

    Schedule times are approximate and subject to delays due to poor weather and traffic conditions. Passenger can get the latest schedule information including real-time arrival estimates and see the location of their bus on our Passio GO! app, available for Apple and Android devices.

    If you have a reservation, you can see exactly where your bus is in our Ecolane app.  Don’t have a smartphone? We will send a text message to your cell phone five minutes before your pick up window. Just ask a dispatcher to sign up for our text alerts.

  • XtraMile

    XtraMile is RVT’s on-demand public transit service. This curb-to-curb service is available when you need it, with no advance booking. Just let us know where you are going with the Microtransit app, available for Apple and Android devices. Learn more on the XtraMile page.