DAYTON, Ohio — Trips on the bus will be free this summer in parts of the greater Dayton area to help ensure residents have access to “all that’s going on these days” across the region.

The Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority (RTA) announced this week that it will provide fare-free rides Saturdays and Sundays from June 4 through Sept. 4.

The goal of the initiative is twofold: It aims to encourage people to use public transportation while also giving people a more affordable option for getting out to explore Montgomery County.

Gas prices across the state are hovering above $4 a gallon, which can create a financial barrier for some people to take part in summer events, according to Bob Ruzinsky, RTA’s CEO.

Ruzinsky feels using the bus offers residents a chance to save money they can use to take part in summer events, whether it’s a festival or concert or one of the new breweries and restaurants in downtown Dayton.

The free weekend rides apply to both fixed-route and paratransit services. 

“There’s a lot happening on weekends these days, both in terms of work and leisure,” Ruzinsky said. “We felt free rides on the weekends for the summer would be a great way to get folks familiar with using RTA and provide them with a reliable transportation option for all their weekend needs.”

RTA services Montgomery County and parts of Western Greene County.

This isn't the first time RTA has offered fare-free rides in recent months. This most recent promotion aims to help prepare riders for later this year when RTA moves toward an improved service model.

The changes will help RTA provide the “same level of service seven days a week to meet those needs,” Ruzinsky said.

In a statement, a spokesperson for RTA said the agency is "always considering how to better serve its customers, but we have no specific changes to share at this time."

Earlier in March, the RTA announced a plan to improve access to jobs and health care by making service changes to several routes, including Routes 9, 11, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 22. Most of the changes include adding ride frequency to routes.

The moves go into effect Sunday, June 19. Those specific changes aren't connected to this announcement, RTA said in its statement.

Those looking for more information about specific routes can visit www.iriderta.org, or download the Transit app, RTA’s real-time information and trip-planning mobile application. The app is free to download and available to both Android and Apple users.