Open Discussion on Public Transit

The new RCAT changes are scheduled to take place on June 30th. In case you don't know, they're moving the transfer station to West Avenue B and Washington, which will alter their routes.

You can get more information on RCAT here.

I'm going to flaunt my ignorance here. I've never ridden the RCAT, and would be interested in hearing thoughts on it from anyone that has. Do you find it useful? Is it necessary? How could it be made better? Do you foresee any increase in demand for it in the future?

In the spirit of recent discussions about climbing gas prices and ecologically-friendly ways of getting around, I'd be interested in hearing what you think. Even if you've never used it, but are well-informed, let's hear what you have to say.

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Users' Comments (23)

Posted by codytalks 06-09-2008 10:27, , Registered   Mitchell,     Here's my dominating thought on RCAT.     I think a huge mistake was made in making a part of the the Dept. of Aging. Don't try to spin this into me not liking the elderly. I love them but RCAT has a gigantic misconception of "Only being for old people" in the minds of this community.     I was talking to my 11 year old about maybe using it to get to the library this summer and a friend of hers that was with us argued with me that they wouldn't allow her to use it cause it was "Only for senior citizens".     It's a PR thing. Aren't kids who cant drive actually the biggest group of potential users?     I know everyone could use it... but the fact that it is a part of the Dept of Aging is slowing down usage... I guarantee it.   » Reply to this comment...   Posted by Jason Depew 06-09-2008 11:19, , Registered   I honestly don't know a whole lot about RCAT. What I do know is mostly about the new transfer station, and the general function of the system. From the information I have received from my father, the main groups that use the bus system are elderly or disabled. I won't put my word on it being that I haven't ever ridden an RCAT bus before, but I definitely will be trying to soon. Perhaps we should try to plan a reverse bus boycott, and try to encourage the use of public transportation.   » Reply to this comment...   Posted by mitchellhargrave 06-09-2008 11:49, , Registered   Jason,    That was exactly what I was thinking.    Let's get as many people using it as possible and raise awareness.    Of course, that's probably something the company that's BEING PAID TO DO THE MARKETING FOR IT should do, but oh well. We'll do it for free because we're just nice like that, aren't we?   » Reply to this comment...   Posted by Tahnee Smith 06-09-2008 23:02, , Guest   Ya know, i never have ridden the RCAT but with the ridiculous gas prices it's a very good idea.     And i do know several little kids who ride them to school because they have no other way of getting there. They are mostly for the ederly but i think that if they weren't, a lot more of us kida would ride them.   » Reply to this comment...   Posted by conniej 06-09-2008 23:03, , Guest   I am very interested in the promotion of the rcat. I am curious who are talking about when you are talking about the company that is being paid to do the marketing for it. Explain. I am so glad I that Cody organized this effort "What's Up Hutch" because I am very interested in topics to cover for Channel 7. I am getting ready to start work on a video for rcat - what things would you like to have covered in a marketing video?   » Reply to this comment...   Posted by Jon Dennis 06-10-2008 01:32, , Guest   I have never owned a car and I still have never used public transportation in Hutchinson. Hutchinson is small enough that pretty much all of it is easily accessible on foot or bicycle. When I worked at New Beginnings, though, many of our residents used it extensively. They relied on it to get to work or to get their kids to the swimming pool. For those who use it, it is an indispensable part of their everyday life, and I would hate to see its operations scaled back any time soon. And, as Tahnee says, it seems reasonable to assume that the demand for it will increase as gas prices continue to rise and our economy wades deeper into recession.   » Reply to this comment...   Posted by codytalks 06-10-2008 12:25, , Guest   What is everyones (everyone that doesn't use it!) single biggest reason for not using it on a regular basis?   » Reply to this comment...   Posted by Lynn Kiker 06-10-2008 12:54, , Guest   I'm the new director for Rcat and have enjoyed reading the listed comments. The first comment about Rcat being part of the Dept. of Aging...actually public transportation started in Reno Co. 25 yrs ago in the Dept of Aging. In 1999 the Public Transportation Dept. was created and so we are a separate dept from Dept. of Aging. Yes, we are continuing to market to Reno Co. that Rcat is for everyone not any specific group such as elderly or disabled. You would probably notice that marketing on 102.9 radio station with new ads about Rcat is for everyone.     Currently about 24% of Rcat's ridership is seniors, 45% disabled and 29% general public persons just like you and I. Since March we have had a 10% increase in ridership which we attribute to the cost of gas. We are seeing new riders each day with an increased number riding to employment.     We encourage you to look at our website at renogov.org/rcat and see how affordable and convenient the public transportation system is. We will be making some route changes that will go into effect on June 30th with the move to our new transit facility. Those route changes were just approved by the Reno County Commissioners today.     I encourage all of you to "get on board" and give Rcat a try. If you have questions go to our website or call the Rcat office at 694-2913.   » Reply to this comment...   Posted by mitchellhargrave 06-10-2008 13:07, , Registered   Lynn,    Aside from the renogov.org site, how might one go about finding information on routes and times?    Also, is there a map anywhere that includes routes, times AND streets in one comprehensive document?    Maybe I'm an idiot, but what's available on the site perplexed me a little.   » Reply to this comment...   Posted by Lynn Kiker 06-10-2008 13:13, , Guest   We have maps and schedules available at the Rcat office in the basement of the Reno Co. Courthouse, at our current transfer location the Amtrak building at 3rd and Main and many businesses throughout the community (medical facilities, grocery stores, the Hutchinson Mall, social service agencies). You can call the Rcat office at 694-2913 and they will mail you a map and schedule also. The full route map is shown on one side and then the routes are shown individually on the other side.   » Reply to this comment...

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