Chapter 27: Transportation

Rockford Mass Transit District
 

The Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD) provides fixed route transportation to the cities of Rockford, Loves Park, and the Village of Machesney Park. The buses are accessible and preferential front seating is available to those with disabilities. Those with Visual Impairments should be sure to inform the driver to verbally announce stops. More detailed information, including current fare rates and route schedules, can be obtained at: RMTD.org or by calling (815) 961-9000.

The city’s public transportation system provides bus service to:

• RVC’s Main Campus (3301 N. Mulford Road)
• Stenstrom Center (4151 Samuelson Road)
• Bell School Road Center (3350 Bell School Road)
• Downtown locations at:
  • RVC Downtown (99 E. State Street in the Rockford Register Star building)
  • N. Main Street Center (303 N. Main Street in the Supply Co. building)
     

The RMTD bus stops at RVC’s Main Campus are located along the perimeter road at the Spring Brook Road entrance (outer edge of Parking Lot 9B), and at the Health Sciences Center (HSC) – Parking Lot 4, near the Dental Hygiene Clinic entrance. Buses run hourly and all buses are wheelchair accessible.

RMTD's University Pass Program provides reduced fare for students.  A 30-day unlimited pass can be purchased for $27 on the "Token Transit" app or at the Rockford Transit Center.  There is no age or credit hour limit to purchase a pass, students just need to show a valid school ID.

Paratransit
 

The RMTD also offers an accessible origin to destination transportation service for persons with disabilities who cannot ride the fixed route. The Paratransit drop-off/pick-up location is in front of the Educational Resource Center (ERC) building, Parking Lot #8A/B.

To use Paratransit, the student must:
 

• Complete a Paratransit application - the application must be completed in person at the Rockford Paratransit office at 520 Mulberry Street in downtown Rockford.
• Be certified as eligible by Rockford Paratransit. Examples of people who are eligible are those who, because of a disability, are “unable” to:
  • Board, ride, or disembark from an accessible bus;
  • Persons unable to use the system due to visual or mental impairments;
  • Persons unable to reach boarding locations or situations due to a specific impairment      related condition
     

Other considerations for using Paratransit:
 

• Age, distance to stop, or illiteracy by themselves are not considered a disability;
   
• People who are blind and visually impaired may be eligible if they cannot use RMTD’s regular fixed route system;
   
• People with medical conditions such as epilepsy, kidney disorders, or diabetes may be eligible depending on their ability to use RMTD’s regular fixed route system
   

Information on Paratransit services can be obtained at RMTD.org/eligibility or by calling (815) 961-2255.