New Pingo App offers customers trip planning, real-time bus information, and scheduling for Microtransit pilot program
New RTS Microtransit pilot program – RTS Link – to launch in LeRoy on October 13
Rochester, NY: Regional Transit Service (RTS) announced today that it has introduced a new mobile app that gives customers access to trip planning, real-time bus information, and ride scheduling for its new rural Microtransit pilot program that is launching in LeRoy on October 13.
“We regularly ask our customers for feedback on our service and over the past few years, they told us they would benefit from improved investment in technology and the implementation of Microtransit in select areas,” said RTS CEO Miguel Velázquez. “Today’s announcement is exciting for RTS because it represents progress on both fronts for our customers. The Pingo app will improve their overall experience with RTS and the implementation of RTS Link in LeRoy will offer the ability to get around town at night, which is among the most requested service improvements from customers in Genesee County. I thank our customers for their feedback and the RTS team for their work to make these important improvements a reality.”
New Pingo Mobile App
RTS customers in Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, and Wyoming Counties now have a new, easy way to ride RTS with the Pingo mobile app. With the Pingo app, customers will be able to plan and track their trips, and coming soon, they will be able to use the Pingo app to pay their fare. Additionally, customers in these counties who will have access to RTS’ new Microtransit pilot program – RTS Link – will also be able to use the Pingo app to schedule their rides.
Customers can get started by downloading the “Ride Pingo” app from the App Store or Google Play. RTS also has a Pingo app user guide available on its website at https://www.myrts.com/Pingo.
Introducing RTS Link
On Monday, October 13, RTS is launching a new Microtransit pilot program in LeRoy, NY called RTS Link. Provided by RTS Genesee, RTS Link is a ride-share service that will allow customers to schedule customized trips on ADA-accessible vehicles within the LeRoy, NY service area. The pilot program will run for approximately 12 months and during this time, RTS Genesee will closely monitor the effectiveness of the program and then determine whether to extend the pilot, end the pilot, or launch RTS Link as a regular, on-going service. RTS plans to introduce RTS Link in other select markets starting in 2026. More information on those locations will be available as the launch dates near for those areas.
How it Works:
The RTS Link pilot program will operate within the LeRoy service area on weekdays from 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. Trips can only be scheduled the same day by calling RTS Genesee at (585) 343-3079 or by using the Pingo app. When a customer requests a trip, RTS Link will find the closest time available for service. If the trip is accepted, RTS Link will direct the customer to meet the vehicle at a virtual stop: a nearby, centralized pick-up point. RTS Link will drop off the customer at a virtual stop near their destination. These virtual stops are programmed to be no more than one quarter of a mile from a customer’s point of origin.
Customers in need of ADA accommodations will not be required to use virtual stops, as RTS Link will provide curb-to-curb service. These customers should be sure to let RTS Link know they require ADA accommodations when scheduling their trip.
RTS Link will launch with an introductory fare of $3 per trip for adults, and $1.50 for seniors, children 6-11, and people with disabilities. Starting in February 2026, fares will increase to $5 per trip for adults, and $2.50 for seniors, children 6-11, and people with disabilities. Veterans ride free with a Veterans Outreach Center-issued pass. Children 5 and under ride free; with a maximum of three children per fare-paying adult.
For all other information, visit www.myRTS.com.
About RTS
Regional Transit Service (RTS) is a regional transit authority established by New York State with more than 900 employees who proudly serve customers and business partners in Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. Recognized as one of the best-run transit systems in the nation, RTS provides safe, reliable, convenient, and sustainable transportation to nearly 12 million people each year. We carry out our mission by connecting our customers to jobs, school, healthcare, shopping, and recreational activities every day. For more information, visit www.myRTS.com.
