River Valley Transit provides 16 towns with vital transportation services that for many mean the difference between being a fully engaged member of the community or being isolated. And more people are discovering the benefits of the services River Valley Transit offers as demonstrated by increases in ridership during the past year.
River Valley Transit is looking forward to a strong 2026 based on the success of 2025 that now serves as the foundation for this optimism. When transit service performs well, riders stick with it and spread the word, and that was obvious in 2025.
Overall ridership increased 26% in last year throughout the 15 towns we serve.
That overall increase in ridership is made up of increases in the various services provided. Dial-A-Ride and ADA Paratransit were up 9%, and the XtraMile micro-transit, on-demand service covering areas not serviced by larger, fixed-route buses, was up a whopping 114%.
Overall fixed-route ridership was up 17%.
While those numbers are significant, River Valley Transit leaders are most proud of the rider rating that resulted in a 4.7 on a scale of 5. What makes that rating even more meaningful is that it was earned while providing 400,000 passenger trips across 1.6 million miles and 137,100 hours of service.
This outstanding performance was delivered at fares that ranged between just 85 cents and $3.50 per trip.
Another major success in 2025 was the introduction of two electric buses under a pilot program with the state Department of Transportation. River Valley Transit was selected for the pilot based on its experience and capabilities. Electric buses provide quieter rides for passengers and eliminate the release of greenhouse gas emissions.
River Valley Transit looks forward to another successful year of growth based on the service we provide with dignity and respect.