Students enrolled in an eligible local post-secondary program may qualify for free rides on RMTD’s fixed-route bus system. Participating institutions identified at the program’s launch include:

• Rock Valley College (RVC)
• Rockford Career College (RCC)
• Rockford University
• Northern Illinois University (NIU) Rockford
• Judson University
• Rasmussen University
• University of Illinois College of Medicine
• OSF Nursing
• Goodwill Excel Center

t 8159619000

email otoatley@rmtd.org

To use the EDU-RIDE program, students must follow these requirements:

1. Enroll in an eligible program. Students must be enrolled in a qualifying post-secondary education or adult GED/HSE program.
2. Present valid identification or an approved pass. Eligible post-secondary students must show a valid student photo ID accepted by RMTD when boarding. Adult GED/HSE participants must use the free pass distributed through their participating program, as applicable.
3. Use the program for fixed-route service. EDU-RIDE applies to RMTD’s fixed-route bus service. It does not automatically provide free rides on RMTD’s ADA paratransit service.
4. Confirm eligibility with your institution. Students should contact their school or program administrator if they have questions about accepted identification, enrollment status, or obtaining a free pass.
5. Meet certification requirements for monthly passes. If applying for monthly passes through an eligible educational institution or program, the institution or program must be certified by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE). Students should verify their institution’s certification and the applicable pass requirements before applying.

For post-secondary students:

• Confirm that your institution and enrollment qualify for the program.
• Obtain your valid student photo ID.
• Present your accepted ID when boarding an RMTD fixed-route bus.

For adult GED/HSE students:

• Contact your GED/HSE program administrator.
• Confirm your eligibility for the free ride program.
• Ask how and when your free passes will be distributed.

For educational institutions and training providers:

• Verify eligibility and applicable Illinois IBHE certification requirements before assisting students with monthly pass applications.
• Coordinate with RMTD regarding student identification, pass distribution, and program participation requirements.
• Direct students to RMTD for questions about bus service and fare progra