RTS Fall Service, new text-based tracker and GatorAider agreement

Published on August 14, 2025

The City of Gainesville’s Regional Transit System (RTS) will implement several service adjustments this fall in response to decreased financial support from the University of Florida (UF). With its annual operating budget reduced by approximately 22% — from $12.7 million to $9.8 million going into fiscal year 2026—RTS has scaled back across multiple routes. 

“It’s disappointing we’ve come to a point where services to the community are impacted,” said Gainesville Mayor Harvey L. Ward. “The university is focused on expanding campus-operated transit options. But as they redirect those student transportation fees it has the unfortunate side effect of diminishing our city’s public transit system as a whole, including services to students, faculty and staff at the university.”

Fine-tuning the fall schedule has remained an open discussion, and the system is still undergoing minor adjustments. Most significantly, UF has agreed to restore funding to a pair of heavily-traveled routes. Routes 5 and 8, each of which was reduced to one bus over the summer, will receive an additional $215,143 from the university to reinstate service frequency during peak travel hours during the fall and spring semesters.

The city commission is considering a funding allocation that would allow the restoration of peak travel hours for Routes 5 and 8 to continue year-round, along with additional funding to restore peak hour service for Routes 15 and 43. Those allocations will be voted on as part of the fiscal year 2026 budget proposal.

To align with the overall reduction in funding and the financial stress of insurance premiums and a pension obligation bond payment that have increased by approximately $1 million combined, service changes introduced with UF’s Summer B will continue into the fall semester. The RTS fall 2025 service period, effective Monday, Aug. 18, 2025 will include the following adjustments:

Campus Service:

• RTS Routes 122, 125, 127 and 150 replaced by Campus Connector
• RTS Route 118 is retained (two buses)
• RTS Route 126 is retained (weekends only, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.) 

City Routes (UF Funded):

• RTS Routes 12, 34 and 35 combined as Route 12
• RTS Routes 16 and 17 combined as Route 17
• RTS Routes 20 and 21 combined as Route 20
• RTS Routes 9 and 38 return to original alignments
• RTS Routes 1, 12, 13, 17, 20 and 33 receive alignment changes
• RTS Routes 1, 20 and 37 increase frequency

City Routes (City, County and Santa Fe College Funded):

• RTS Routes 5 and 8 frequency reinstated during peak hours (fall and spring)
• RTS Routes 15 and 43 frequency reinstatement under consideration
• RTS Routes 3, 6, 7 and 75 receive alignment changes
• RTS Route 23 is extended to Butler Plaza from Oaks Mall

For full route details, visit go-rts.com.

New “Find My Bus” Tool Launches at 844-899-1556

Despite budget pressures, the city is reaffirming its commitment to community mobility with the launch of an easy new tool to help people predict when their bus will arrive.

With the “Find My Bus” tool, users can text their bus stop ID (and optionally the route number) to 844-899-1556 to receive real-time arrival predictions. No app, no internet — just send a simple text and receive a reply with the next arrival time via standard SMS. Users can also opt for the browser-based online version. The service works 24 hours a day and is already available to the public (message and data rates may apply).

Developed by RTS Customer Service Specialist Alfredo Rabelo, “Find My Bus” helps the many RTS riders who don’t have reliable access to smartphones or mobile data. Built and launched on a minimal budget, the service focuses on reliability and ease of use.

“We’ve already heard great feedback from riders and operators alike,” said Rabelo. “People appreciate the simplicity and accessibility and we’re still making improvements based on input from customers and staff.”

The RTS Connect app is available, as well. Riders can find it for download on both iOS and Android devices.

GatorAider Set for 2025 Football Season

RTS and UF have agreed to continue GatorAider service for the 2025 football season, providing convenient, roundtrip shuttle service from park-and-ride locations to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on game days.

Beginning this season, GatorAider is adding the UF Health Professional Park at 3300 SW Williston Road as a third pick-up option. It joins the existing stops at 3450 Hull Road and Celebration Pointe. Service begins with the first home on Saturday, Aug. 30. For pricing, locations and season pass information, visit RTS GatorAider online.

“This program is not only about football — it’s about keeping cars off the road and creating a smooth, safe experience for fans,” said Gainesville Transportation Director Jesus Gomez. “We’re glad to continue this tradition with the university and Gator Nation.”

Looking Ahead

With RTS route changes expected to impact many in the Gainesville community, including UF students returning for fall semester, city and university leaders will continue monitoring service levels. Additional adjustments may be implemented based on ridership trends and community feedback as RTS works to continue providing reliable service.