RTC RIDE Bus Schedule: Routes, Times & Stops

by
RTC Washoe • Reno • Sparks • Washoe County

Plan an RTC RIDE Trip with Current Routes, Timetables, Fares and Live Bus Tools

RTC RIDE is the fixed-route transit network serving Reno, Sparks and surrounding Washoe County communities. The system also includes RTC RAPID lines, FlexRIDE on-demand zones, ADA paratransit and the RTC Regional Connector between Reno and Carson City.

Use this guide to choose the correct route, understand weekday and weekend schedules, compare fares, find transfer hubs, read timetable timepoints and check real-time arrivals before you leave.

Find Your Route Check Schedule Times See Fares & Passes Open Live Tools
Transit operator RTC Washoe
Base RTC RIDE fare $2.00
Reduced fare $1.00*
Rider assistance 775-348-7433
Verified
Quick answer

Which RTC Transit Service Should You Use?

Start with the type of trip rather than automatically searching for a numbered bus. RTC operates several transit products that solve different travel needs.

RTC RIDE Fixed-route local buses with published stops and timetables throughout the Reno–Sparks network.
RTC RAPID Higher-frequency service on the Virginia Line and Lincoln Line corridors.
Regional Connector Weekday Reno–Carson City service through Meadowood and Summit Mall.
FlexRIDE Curb-to-curb on-demand transportation in selected service zones rather than a fixed timetable.
RTC ACCESS Prescheduled ADA paratransit for riders who meet eligibility requirements.
Do not confuse RTC Washoe with RTC Southern Nevada. This page covers the Reno, Sparks and Washoe County transit system. Las Vegas routes belong to the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada.

RTC RIDE Planning Guide

All RTC Routes Network Guide Schedules & Times Schedule Examples Fares & Passes Holiday Service Carson Express Official Timetable PDF Transfer Stations Live Arrivals How to Ride FlexRIDE RTC ACCESS Bikes on Buses Alerts & Detours Contacts
Current RTC route index

RTC RIDE Routes, RTC RAPID Lines and Carson Express

RTC’s current Maps & Schedules index lists the services below. Open the official route page for direction-specific weekday, Saturday and Sunday timetables where those schedules are offered.

Route 1 — S Virginia St

Virginia Street corridor between RTC 4th Street Station and the Meadowood area.

Official Route 1 schedule
Route 2 — Ninth / Silverada / Sparks

Use the direction selector on RTC’s route page before choosing a departure.

Official Route 2 schedule
Route 4 — West Seventh

West Seventh corridor service with route-specific weekday and weekend tables.

Official Route 4 schedule
Route 5 — Sun Valley via Sutro / Wedekind

Sun Valley service using the Sutro and Wedekind corridor.

Official Route 5 schedule
Route 5W — Sun Valley Weekend

A distinct weekend service entry. Do not assume the weekday Route 5 timetable applies.

Open Route 5W from RTC index
Route 6 — Arlington / Moana

Check the official direction and timepoint columns before using an intermediate stop.

Official Route 6 schedule
Route 9 — Kietzke

Kietzke corridor service. Confirm the correct direction before reading the time table.

Official Route 9 schedule
Route 12 — Terminal / Neil

Terminal and Neil corridor service with separate directional timetables.

Official Route 12 schedule
Route 15 — TMCC via Sutro / Clear Acre

Useful for TMCC-area trips; verify the correct stop and direction through RTC.

Official Route 15 schedule
Route 21 — Sparks Marina / Legends / NNMC

Connects Centennial Plaza with the Sparks Marina/Legends area and Northern Nevada Medical Center.

Official Route 21 schedule
Route 54 — Mira Loma

Current RTC timetable labels this service “Mira Loma.” Some older RTC navigation still uses “Sparks/Meadowood.”

Official Route 54 schedule
Route 56 — South Meadows / Damonte Ranch

South Reno service covering the South Meadows/Damonte Ranch corridor.

Official Route 56 schedule
CRSN — RTC Regional Connector: Carson Express

Weekday intercity service linking Reno and Carson City during the current pilot.

Official Carson Express schedule
Route 54 naming issue: RTC’s current Maps & Schedules index and current timetable pages identify Route 54 as Mira Loma, while portions of older route navigation still say “Sparks/Meadowood.” Use the current timetable label and timepoints rather than relying on an older menu label.
Simplified rider orientation

How the RTC RIDE Network Connects Reno, Sparks and Carson City

This SVG is an original orientation guide based on RTC’s service structure. It is not a street-accurate route map. Use RTC’s interactive map for exact stop locations.

Simplified RTC Washoe transit network RTC 4th Street Station connects to Reno corridors, Centennial Plaza connects Sparks services, routes extend north to Stead and TMCC, south to Meadowood and Damonte Ranch, and the Regional Connector continues to Carson City. 4TH STREET STATION CENTENNIAL PLAZA NORTH VALLEYS Stead • Sun Valley • TMCC WEST RENO West Seventh • Idlewild SOUTH RENO Meadowood • Damonte SPARKS Marina • Legends • NNMC EAST CORRIDORS Prater • Glendale • Mira Loma MEADOWOOD Transfer / south connections CARSON CITY
RTC 4th Street Station Major downtown Reno transfer point for numerous RTC RIDE routes, RAPID service and the Regional Connector.
RTC Centennial Plaza Major Sparks transfer hub used by several local routes and the Lincoln Line.
Meadowood area Important south Reno transfer area appearing in several route schedules and on the Carson Express.

Open RTC’s interactive system map

Understanding RTC timetables

How to Check RTC RIDE Bus Times Without Reading the Wrong Schedule

RTC route pages separate schedules by service day and travel direction. A printed timepoint table normally lists major intersections or transfer centers rather than every physical bus stop.

Select the route number first. Use the official Maps & Schedules index and confirm the route name matches the corridor where you are traveling.
Choose Weekday, Saturday or Sunday. Never assume a weekday departure also runs on weekends. Route 5W exists specifically as a separate Sun Valley weekend entry.
Select inbound or outbound. Use the destination and street sequence to confirm you have chosen the correct side of the route.
Locate your nearest timepoint. If your stop is between two printed timepoints, use the official Transit app for a stop-level prediction instead of inventing an exact minute.
Look for dashes and trip variations. A dash generally means that particular trip does not serve that timepoint. Do not read it as a missing value.
Check Rider Alerts just before departure. Construction, events and temporary stop closures can change where a bus boards even when the base timetable has not changed.
Real timetable examples

RTC Schedule Patterns Can Change Dramatically by Route

These current published examples show why riders should not assume that every RTC RIDE route operates at the same frequency.

Route 21 Many daytime weekday trips
30 min
Route 54 Published weekday pattern
60 min
Route 21 example Current weekday outbound departures from Centennial Plaza include 6:20, 6:50, 7:20, 7:50, 8:20 and 8:50 a.m., showing a 30-minute pattern during that portion of the day. Later evening gaps become longer.
Route 54 example Current weekday outbound departures from Centennial Plaza are listed hourly from 5:30 a.m. through the published daytime/evening schedule, reaching Meadowood about 23–25 minutes later at the listed timepoint.
Frequency is not a promise of exact arrival at every stop. The chart describes visible gaps between selected terminal departures. Traffic and intermediate-stop predictions should be checked in the Transit app.
Current RTC RIDE fare guide

RTC RIDE Fares, Reduced Fares and Day Passes

RTC publishes the same base single-ride and day-pass prices for RTC RIDE and the Regional Connector. Reduced fares require appropriate identification.

Regular single ride $2.00 RTC RIDE / Regional Connector base fare Prepare exact cash or an accepted electronic fare.
Reduced single ride $1.00 Eligible reduced-fare riders RTC requires qualifying identification when boarding.
Disability / ACCESS ID $0.75 RTC fare-page exception RTC specifically publishes a 75-cent fare for people with disabilities or an RTC ACCESS ID.
Regular day pass $3.00 Reduced day pass: $1.50 Consider the day pass when your itinerary requires multiple RTC rides.
Children age 5 and under Ride free with an adult under RTC’s current fare policy.
Who qualifies for reduced fare? RTC lists youth, seniors age 60+, people with disabilities, ACCESS ID holders, U.S. veterans and Medicare riders among reduced-fare categories.
College Ed-Pass RTC currently says eligible UNR, TMCC, DRI and Western Nevada College students, faculty and staff can ride fixed-route transit, FlexRIDE and the Regional Connector free with eligible college identification.
Youth-Pass freshness warning: RTC’s website still promotes its Youth-Pass program, but the program FAQ says the listed term ran through June 30, 2026. Because that date has passed, WCSD families should confirm current Youth-Pass eligibility with RTC before depending on a free ride.

Ways to Pay

Cash farebox Exact change is required. RTC states that neither the farebox nor driver produces cash change.
Token Transit Riders can purchase a digital bus pass and scan the QR code when boarding.
Transit app RTC’s official Transit app can plan trips, show arrivals and support fare purchase.

Verify current RTC fares before travel

Holiday schedule matrix

RTC RIDE and RTC RAPID Holiday Service Levels

RTC does not use one schedule for every holiday. The official fare page separates holidays into Saturday-level, Sunday-level and normal-service groups.

Saturday-Level Service
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Presidents Day
  • Juneteenth
  • Labor Day

RTC RIDE and RTC RAPID use Saturday-level schedules. RTC Regional Connector does not operate.

Sunday-Level Service
  • New Year’s Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

RTC RIDE and RTC RAPID use Sunday-level schedules. RTC Regional Connector does not operate.

Normal Service Holidays
  • Indigenous Peoples Day
  • Nevada Day
  • Veterans Day
  • Family Day

RTC currently lists normal RTC RIDE/RAPID service for these holidays.

Check the specific route too: a “Saturday-level” system day does not create Saturday service on a route that has no applicable Saturday schedule.
Current 2026 regional service

RTC Regional Connector Carson Express: Reno to Carson City

The RTC Regional Connector is a one-year pilot that began June 1, 2026. The current official timetable is effective July 2026 and provides weekday trips between RTC 4th Street Station in Reno and the Nevada Department of Transportation area in Carson City.

The published route uses Meadowood Mall, Summit Mall Park & Ride and North Carson Street at College Parkway as major intermediate timepoints.

A
RTC 4th Street Station Downtown Reno departure/arrival point.
B
Meadowood Mall South Reno transfer timepoint.
C
Summit Mall Park & Ride Regional south-corridor stop.
D
N Carson & College Pkwy Carson City timepoint.
E
Nevada DOT Carson City terminal timepoint.

From Downtown Reno — Weekdays

Morning trip 5:47 AM
Morning trip 6:17 AM
Morning trip 6:47 AM
Afternoon trip 3:05 PM
Afternoon trip 4:05 PM
Afternoon trip 5:30 PM

From Nevada DOT — Weekdays

Morning trip 6:52 AM
Morning trip 7:22 AM
Morning trip 7:52 AM
Afternoon trip 4:17 PM
Afternoon trip 5:17 PM
Afternoon trip 6:42 PM
No weekend service: the July 2026 Regional Connector timetable explicitly states that the route does not operate on weekends.
Transfer tip: the timetable says a transfer must be requested when paying the fare. It contains specific transfer instructions for RTC RIDE/RAPID, JAC and Tahoe Transportation District connections.
Official timetable document

View the July 2026 RTC Regional Connector PDF

The current two-page official document contains the Reno–Carson route map, fare menu, customer-service information, weekday departures, transfer instructions, holiday notes and Free WiFi notice.

Open Official PDF Check Current Route Page
If the PDF viewer is blank: use the “Open Official PDF” button. Some mobile browsers or agency servers may block embedded PDF rendering even though the direct document remains available.
Transfer-center orientation

RTC 4th Street Station and Centennial Plaza Boarding Locations

RTC publishes a two-page boarding-location document for its major transfer centers. The document identifies route islands, passenger services, restrooms and other facility features.

RTC 4th Street Station The boarding-location document shows numerous RTC RIDE routes, both RAPID lines, RTC ACCESS and Regional Connector boarding activity at the downtown Reno station.
RTC Centennial Plaza The Sparks facility map shows local routes, Lincoln Line, FlexRIDE and passenger-service areas.
Date warning: RTC’s linked boarding-location PDF is marked May 2023. Use it to understand the physical station layout, but verify the current bay on the route page, station sign or Transit app before boarding in 2026.
Open Boarding PDF Check Current Route Index
Official live trip tools

Track RTC RIDE Buses and Check the Next Arrival

RTC identifies Transit as its official transit app. It combines trip planning, schedules, upcoming buses, active rider alerts and fare purchasing.

Plan a trip Enter the origin and destination rather than manually combining several route timetables.
See next buses Use stop-level arrivals when your stop falls between the printed timetable’s major timepoints.
Check Rider Alerts Review active temporary stop closures and detours before walking to the boarding point.
Buy fare RTC says Transit can support fare purchase, while Token Transit remains another published payment option.
Open RTC Transit App Guide Official instructions for trip planning, next-bus information, alerts and mobile fare payment. Open Interactive System Map Use RTC’s linked system map for route and stop orientation.
Scheduled time and live prediction are different. A timetable is the planned service. A stop-level prediction reflects current operating information and may change as the bus moves.

How to Ride an RTC RIDE Bus

RTC publishes several boarding instructions that are easy to miss if you only look at a timetable.

Wait at an official RTC RIDE stop. RTC directs passengers to board at blue-and-white RTC RIDE bus-stop signs.
Make yourself visible. When the bus approaches, stand, make eye contact and clearly wave with your palm toward the bus. RTC suggests using a flashlight after dark when needed.
Confirm the route and destination. Check the vehicle display and ask the driver when you are uncertain before paying the fare.
Have payment ready. Prepare your cash, pass, mobile fare or required reduced-fare identification before boarding.
Request your stop early. RTC advises pressing the stop-request tape approximately one block before your destination.
Wait until the bus stops before standing. Move toward the exit after the bus has safely stopped whenever possible.
Food and drinks RTC permits them only in sealed, spill-proof containers.
Smoking and vaping Prohibited on buses, at shelters and at transfer centers under RTC rider guidance.
Animals Service animals may ride; other pets must be contained according to RTC rider guidance.
When a fixed route is not the best fit

RTC FlexRIDE On-Demand Service Areas and Hours

FlexRIDE is a curb-to-curb on-demand service rather than a bus that follows a published stop-by-stop timetable. RTC currently offers it in selected Sparks/Spanish Springs, North Valleys, South Meadows and Verdi/Somerset areas.

North Valleys

Weekdays: 5:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m.

Weekends/holidays: 6:20 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

Published service area includes locations such as North Hills Shopping Center, Rancho San Rafael and TMCC/DRI.

Sparks / Spanish Springs

Weekdays: 5:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m.

Weekends/holidays: 6:00 a.m.–10:30 p.m.

Published locations include Centennial Plaza, Sparks City Hall, Northern Nevada Medical Center and other zone destinations.

South Meadows

Seven days: 6:20 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

Published destinations include Summit Reno Mall, DMV, UNR Redfield Campus and Northern Nevada Sierra Medical Center.

Verdi / Somerset

Weekdays: 5:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m.

Published zone destinations include Lawlor Station at UNR, Gold Ranch Casino and Raley’s at Robb/Mae Anne.

Book through RTC CONNECT Use the RTC CONNECT app/web portal or call the FlexRIDE dispatcher at 775-335-0035.
Expected wait RTC publishes an average wait of about 20 minutes, with waits up to one hour during peak periods.
Fare $2 regular or $1 reduced. RTC states FlexRIDE drivers do not accept cash; use accepted passes or Token Transit.

Open official FlexRIDE information

ADA paratransit

RTC ACCESS for Riders Who Cannot Independently Use Fixed-Route Transit

RTC ACCESS is prescheduled, door-to-door ADA paratransit for eligible riders whose disabilities prevent them from independently using RTC RIDE some or all of the time.

Eligibility Eligibility follows ADA paratransit criteria. RTC lists limitations involving travel to/from bus stops, boarding/riding/exiting or recognizing correct stops and landmarks.
Reservations Eligible riders can use RTC CONNECT or call 775-348-5438. RTC currently accepts reservations 1–3 days in advance, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., seven days a week.
Mobility Center For eligibility or accessible-format assistance, call 775-348-0477.
RTC ACCESS is not simply a more convenient version of RTC RIDE. It requires ADA eligibility. Visitors with qualifying paratransit documentation may use visitor eligibility under RTC’s published rules.

Open official RTC ACCESS guide

How to Put a Bicycle on an RTC Bus Rack

RTC publishes a specific front-rack loading and unloading process. Know the sequence before the bus arrives so boarding is not delayed.

1
Lower the rack Pull up on the release handle on top of the bike rack.
2
Load the bicycle RTC instructs riders to use the outside slot first and place the tires in the labeled wheel positions.
3
Secure the front wheel Pull the support arm out and up over the front tire.
4
Tell the driver before unloading Exit from the front, remove the bike, fold an empty rack back up and signal when you are safely clear.

Read RTC’s official bike-on-bus instructions

Do this immediately before travel

RTC RIDE Alerts, Detours and Temporary Stop Closures

RTC’s alert page is actively used for event detours, construction impacts, temporary stop closures and other service notices. A static article should never copy one temporary alert and present it as permanent routing.

Stop temporarily closed Read the alert for the exact replacement intersection or temporary boarding location.
Event reroute Downtown Reno and Sparks events can affect several consecutive stops and more than one route.
Construction Active construction may move a stop or change the normal travel path while the base timetable remains published.
Current information changes quickly: use RTC’s live alert page on the day of travel instead of relying on a saved screenshot or an old search-result snippet.

Check current RTC Rider Alerts

Verified RTC contacts

RTC RIDE Customer Service and Rider Assistance

RTC RIDE / Regional Connector 775-348-RIDE (7433)
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Monday–Friday
Closed weekends and holidays
RTC Main Office 775-348-0400
1105 Terminal Way
Reno, NV 89502
RTC ACCESS Customer service:
775-348-0477
Reservations:
775-348-5438
Hearing or speech assistance: RTC lists Nevada Relay 711 and TTY/ASCII/HCO at 800-326-6868.
When calling about a trip: have the route number, direction, stop location or stop ID, travel date and approximate time ready. This is far more useful than reporting only that “the bus was late.”

Open RTC Washoe contact page

RTC RIDE Checklist Before Leaving for the Stop

  • Confirm you are using RTC Washoe, not Las Vegas RTC.
  • Match the route number and route name.
  • Select weekday, Saturday, Sunday or holiday service.
  • Choose the correct inbound or outbound timetable.
  • Locate your exact stop or nearest printed timepoint.
  • Check the Transit app for the next arrival.
  • Review current Rider Alerts.
  • Prepare exact cash, a pass or mobile fare.
  • Carry reduced-fare identification when required.
  • Allow extra time for transfers or infrequent service.

Common RTC RIDE Problems and What to Do

The bus did not stop for me Confirm you were standing at an official RTC RIDE stop, were visible and signaled the approaching bus as RTC instructs riders to do.
The schedule and app disagree The timetable is scheduled service; the app may show a current prediction. Also check Rider Alerts for a detour or stop closure.
I cannot find my stop in the timetable Timetables show selected timepoints, not necessarily every stop. Use the interactive map or Transit app for the exact boarding location.
I found two Route 54 names Use “Mira Loma” as the current timetable label. Older RTC navigation may still display “Sparks/Meadowood.”
My FlexRIDE driver will not take cash That matches RTC’s published FlexRIDE payment rule. Use Token Transit or an accepted RTC RIDE bus pass.
I need to travel to Carson City on a weekend The current Regional Connector timetable states there is no weekend service. Use another verified transportation option.
I need an accessible trip Fixed-route transit and RTC ACCESS are different services. Contact the RTC Mobility Center if a disability prevents independent use of RTC RIDE.
The embedded PDF will not display Open the official document directly. Browser PDF support and agency iframe restrictions can affect the embedded viewer.
Official-source verification

Official RTC Washoe Resources Used for This Guide

Routes and schedules RTC Maps & Schedules
Fares and holiday schedules RTC Fares & Passes
Official live-trip app RTC Transit App
How to ride RTC Getting Started
Regional Connector July 2026 Carson Express PDF
FlexRIDE RTC FlexRIDE On-Demand Service
ADA paratransit RTC ACCESS
Service alerts RTC Rider Alerts
Bicycles RTC Cycling / Bike on Bus
Contact information RTC Contact Us

Official-source review: August 12, 2026

Independent information notice: busschedule.us does not operate RTC RIDE, control bus service, sell RTC fares or guarantee arrival predictions. Time-sensitive decisions should be confirmed through RTC Washoe.

Frequently Asked Questions About RTC RIDE Bus Schedules

What area does RTC RIDE serve?

RTC RIDE is the fixed-route transit system operated by the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County and serves Reno, Sparks and surrounding Washoe County communities.

How much is an RTC RIDE bus fare?

RTC currently publishes a $2 regular single ride and $1 reduced single ride. The fare page also lists a 75-cent fare for people with disabilities or an RTC ACCESS ID.

How much is an RTC RIDE day pass?

The current regular day pass is $3 and the reduced day pass is $1.50.

Can I pay RTC RIDE with cash?

Yes on regular RTC RIDE fareboxes. RTC states that exact change is required because neither the farebox nor the driver provides cash change. FlexRIDE has different rules and does not accept cash.

What is the official RTC RIDE app?

RTC identifies Transit as its official app for trip planning, next-bus information, multimodal connections, Rider Alerts and fare purchasing.

Does RTC RIDE operate on holidays?

Yes, but the service level depends on the holiday. Some holidays use Saturday-level service, some use Sunday-level service and several use normal service.

Does the RTC Regional Connector run on weekends?

No. The current July 2026 Carson Express timetable states that there is no weekend service.

What is RTC RAPID?

RTC’s current route index includes the RAPID Virginia Line and RAPID Lincoln Line. They are distinct from the ordinary numbered route entries.

What is RTC FlexRIDE?

FlexRIDE is curb-to-curb on-demand transportation available in selected service areas. Trips are booked through RTC CONNECT, the web portal or the FlexRIDE dispatcher rather than by following a fixed stop timetable.

What is RTC ACCESS?

RTC ACCESS is prescheduled ADA paratransit for eligible people whose disabilities prevent them from independently riding RTC RIDE some or all of the time.

Why does RTC Route 54 have two different names online?

RTC’s current Maps & Schedules index and timetable pages call Route 54 “Mira Loma,” while some older navigation still uses “Sparks/Meadowood.” Use the current timetable and its listed timepoints.

Are WCSD students still riding RTC free in August 2026?

RTC’s Youth-Pass page remains online, but its FAQ states that the listed program period ran through June 30, 2026. Because that date has passed, verify the current program status directly with RTC before relying on free youth travel.

How early should I arrive at an RTC bus stop?

RTC advises riders to arrive a few minutes before the scheduled time. For an infrequent or important trip, allowing additional time is prudent.

How do I tell an RTC driver I want the bus to stop?

RTC says to stand, make eye contact and clearly wave your palm toward the approaching bus. After boarding, press the stop-request tape about one block before your destination.

Can I take a bicycle on RTC RIDE?

RTC provides front bike racks and publishes loading and unloading instructions. Use the outside rack position first and secure the front tire with the support arm.

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