Over the past year, the University of Florida and the City of Gainesville have collaborated to review current routes and ridership of the UF-funded portion of the RTS transit system. This joint effort aims to determine the most effective and efficient path forward.

The changes implemented this past spring — along with the route adjustments detailed below — are the result of this comprehensive review. Our goal is to ensure that student transportation fees, which support RTS, are used responsibly and deliver maximum value to UF students.

What are the hours of service for the new system?

UF has standardized the hours of service for all our off-campus funded student commuter routes (1, 9, 12, 13, 17, 20, 33, 37, and 38) to operate from 6:30 a.m. – 11p.m. Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday.

Will wait times increase or decrease compared to the spring semester?

This varies, but most routes will experience reduced wait times due to an increase in the number of buses operating on them. As we continue to evaluate the impact of these changes, we will adjust as needed to ensure the best possible service for our community.

Are late-night or weekend services being affected?

Overall, there will be an increase in service on the weekends. Some routes will be run later into the evening to accommodate students.

Was there any student input considered before finalizing the changes?

Absolutely. For the past year, the University of Florida has collaborated closely with student leaders and other key stakeholders to ensure that the proposed changes align with the needs of students. Two public meetings were also held in the spring to discuss the proposed changes, and adjustments were made based on student feedback. UF also conducted a campus-wide transportation survey this spring, and those responses are being evaluated to determine if further improvements are needed. These changes, along with the previous route adjustments this spring, give UF students the assurance that their transportation fees, which help fund RTS, are being spent wisely and efficiently.

Were budget constraints a factor in these changes?

Available budget is always a consideration in planning operations. These service changes reduced the University of Florida’s payment to RTS to approximately $9.9 million annually (representing a 20% decrease). Since 2015, UF funding for transit operations has remained constant, while costs have continued to increase. This prompted a comprehensive review of the university’s structure, resulting in proposed adjustments to ensure we are using the available funding efficiently.

Will any of these summer changes carry into the fall semester?

Yes, all the changes will remain in effect for the fall semester. However, please note that service levels will increase when the fall semester begins, as the reduced summer schedule comes to an end.

Where can I go to see the updated bus routes and schedules?

The routes and schedules are available on the RTS website or through the RTS app. The Summer B schedule will be posted two weeks before service starts. There will also be information available about the route changes and the impacts available on the Transportation and Parking Services website soon.

Are there any apps or services recommended for real-time bus tracking? 

The RTS app is recommended for bus tracking. Additionally, the free “GNVRideRTS” app can track RTS buses, and the free “GoRTS Fares” app has tracking maps for both RTS and the UF Campus Connector. Campus Connector shuttles may also be tracked using the free “Passio Go” app.

All RTS student commuter routes listed below will operate during the following service hours:

Peak service hours are approximately
7:45am – 5:30pm, Monday – Friday during Fall 2025

• Route 1: Rosa Parks Downtown Station to Butler Plaza Transfer Station
  • Combines service area from old Routes 1 and 46
  • During Fall 2025, Route 1 will operate with four buses providing service every 22 minutes during peak hours
  • Summer B Schedule: https://go-rts.com/https/go-rtscom/rts001-rosa-parks-transfer-station-to-butler-plaza-transfer-station-2/
• Route 9: HUB to Hunter’s Run
  • No change to service area
  • During Fall 2025, Route 9 will operate with three buses providing service every 15 minutes during peak hours
  • Summer B Schedule: https://go-rts.com/rts009-reitz-union-to-hunters-run-2/
• Route 12: HUB to SW 34^th St/Williston Rd
  • Combines service area from old Routes 12, 34 and 35
  • During Fall 2025, Route 12 will operate with four buses providing service every 15 minutes during peak hours
  • Summer B Schedule: https://go-rts.com/route012-reitz-union-to-butler-plaza-transfer-station-2/
• Route 13: Cottage Grove to Alight Apartments
  
  • Combines service area from old Routes 13 and 122
  • During Fall 2025, Route 13 will operate with four buses providing service every 13 minutes during peak hours
    https://go-rts.com/route013-beaty-towers-to-cottage-grove-apartments-2/
• Route 17: UF Health and Shands Hospital/Beaty Towers to Rosa Parks Downtown Station
  • Combines service area from old Routes 16 and 17
  • During Fall 2025, Route 17 will operate with two buses providing service every 20 minutes during peak hours
    https://go-rts.com/route017-beaty-towers-to-rosa-parks-transfer-station/
• Route 20: Reitz Union to Oaks Mall
  • Combines service area from old Routes 20 and 21
  • During Fall 2025, Route 20 will operate with six buses providing service every 11 minutes during peak hours
    https://go-rts.com/route020-reitz-union-to-oaks-mall-2/
• Route 33: Butler Plaza Transfer Station to HUB
  • Combines service area from old Routes 28 and 33
  • During Fall 2025, Route 33 will operate with four buses providing service every 14 minutes during peak hours
    https://go-rts.com/route033-butler-plaza-transfer-station-to-midtown-2/
• Route 37: Lexington Crossing to HUB
  • No change to service area
  • During Fall 2025, Route 37 will operate with four buses providing service every 15 minutes during peak hours
    https://go-rts.com/route037-reitz-union-to-butler-plaza-transfer-station-2/

• Route 38: HUB to Gainesville Place
  • No change to service area
  • During Fall 2025, Route 38 will operate with four buses providing service every 12 minutes during peak hours
    https://go-rts.com/route038-the-hub-to-gainesville-place-2/

Campus Connector Westside Circulator

Campus Connector Eastside Circulator

Click Here For Additional Info On Campus Connector

The following RTS campus routes will operate during Fall 2025:

• Route 118 – 7:30am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday with service every 15 minutes
• Route 126 – 11:00am-7:00pm, Saturday-Sunday with service every 40 minutes

UF students, faculty and staff may ride any RTS route fare-free by presenting their Gator 1 ID upon boarding. To view all currently available RTS routes, visit go-rts.com and choose Schedules from the menu.

UF Safe Rides by Lyft Changes Effective May 12, 2025

•     TAPS worked closely with Student Government and Student Life leadership to implement these changes. These changes will keep the program robust for our students while maintaining financial viability.
•     We partnered with Lyft to send emails and push notifications to all participants in the UF Safe Rides program, explaining the new program parameters. Additionally, an informational banner is available on the UF Safe Rides webpage.

What’s Changing:

• Program hours:
  Changed from 9 PM – 3 AM, Wednesday–Sunday
  to 11 PM – 3 AM, 7 days a week
• Ride discount:
  Changed from 50% per ride to 40% per ride
• Maximum ride cost:
  Safe Rides will continue to cover up to $15 of a $30 ride

What’s Staying the Same:

• Service zone:
  Remains the same (map: UF Safe Rides Map)

For more information on UF Safe Rides, please visit taps.ufl.edu/alternative-transportation/uf-safe-rides/.