Gainesville and UF extend RTS service agreement through year’s end

Published on May 01, 2024

Today’s negotiations between the City of Gainesville and the University of Florida regarding the Regional Transit System (RTS) were cordial and productive. Discussions were had regarding the current funding model and whether that model should be modified to reflect changes in demographics around the university. 

Gainesville City Manager Cynthia W. Curry and UF Senior Vice President Dave Kratzer are spearheading the discussions. At the meeting held earlier today at Gainesville City Hall, the city and the university agreed that RTS will continue to provide its current level of service until Jan. 1, 2025, extending existing bus routes and schedules for six months beyond the June 30, 2024, contract deadline in anticipation of a newly negotiated agreement. 

During the extended timeframe, the City of Gainesville, working together with the university, will explore long-term methods of maintaining RTS bus service across the broader community while addressing the university’s specific needs.

All involved agree on the importance of sustained access to bus service across the Gainesville Urbanized Area while talks continue.