RTS on-demand service phaseout impacts Rochester area commuters

Rochester Regional Transit Service (RTS) is phasing out its on-demand transportation service, causing significant difficulties for residents in Monroe County, particularly those with disabilities. The service reduction began with the elimination of weekend and late-night on-demand options in September, with the entire service scheduled to end in 2027.

Residents in Brockport, Irondequoit, Pittsford, and Webster will lose access on January 22, 2027, while those in Greece, Henrietta, and Lexington will see services end by April 2, 2027. Users, including wheelchair users, have reported that the current system is unreliable and exhausting, noting that the app often fails to secure rides and that the service can only transport one wheelchair user at a time.

Susan Stahl, director of quality assurance at the Center for Disability Rights, stated that such barriers can prevent individuals from participating fully in society. RTS acknowledged the impact on customers and noted it is expanding service in Greece to minimize effects while working with lawmakers to stabilize the transit system.