To access ZIPS service, completion of an eligibility application is first required.

Eligibility is determined using federal guidelines established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  A person may be eligible for ADA Paratransit Service if any of the following conditions apply:

• They are physically unable to get to the regular fixed-route bus, or
• They are unable to navigate regular fixed-route ‘bus system’ once they are on board, or
• They are unable to board and exit the bus at some locations.

Rides are provided for any purpose. Whether a rider is traveling to a doctor's appointment, going shopping or meeting friends for dinner, all trips are treated equally.

If you are a visitor to Rochester or have questions regarding eligibility, please contact Devin Laiho, Mobility Coordinator at dlaiho@rochestermn.gov or call 507-328-2434.

ZIPS riders have the option to purchase fares and passes for ZIPS paratransit service, as well as access reduced fares for the regular fixed-route bus service.

Please note - If you are current ZIPS rider and would like to sign up for the RPT Mobile Fare App, you must first contact Devin Laiho, Mobility Coordinator at dlaiho@rochestermn.gov or call 507-328-2434.

ZIPS Fares and Passes

• One-way fare: $3.00
• 5-ride pass: $15.00
• 10-ride pass: $30.00

ZIPS fares and passes may be purchased using cash or check directly from ZIPS drivers, at the RPT Office (4300 East River Road NE, Rochester, MN 55906), or by using a debit or credit card in the RPT Mobile Fare App.

Reduced Fares (fixed-route bus service only)

• Single-ride fare (one-way, includes transfer): $1.00
• 10-ride pass: $8.00

Reduced fares and passes for the regular bus service may be purchased through the RPT Mobile Fare App, or by showing your ZIPS ID to the driver and paying cash.

You must submit an application and be approved before you can use ZIPS.

Certification by a medical or other licensed professional is required to verify a disability or condition that prevents you from using regular fixed route transit service.

Download the ZIPS Application.

If you would like an application to be mailed to you or have questions about eligibility, please contact Devin Laiho, Mobility Coordinator, at dlaiho@rochestermn.gov or 507-328-2434. You may also visit the RPT office (4300 East River Road NE, Rochester, MN 55906) to pick up a paper application.

Completed applications may be submitted in any of the following ways:

Mail:

ZIPS Program
4300 East River Road NE
Rochester MN 55906

Email: dlaiho@rochestermn.gov

Fax: (507) 328-2432

Once the application is received you should be contacted within 1-5 business days. If you have been accepted, you will receive a welcome letter with a ZIPS ID card to the address listed on your application.

For the complete guide to ZIPS Operating Policies, view the Operating Policies and Guidelines for ZIPS Dial-a-Ride.

All ZIPS riders are required to familiarize themselves with and adhere to the ZIPS Operating Policies, as well as abide by the Code of Conduct when utilizing ZIPS services.

If you have any questions or need assistance regarding these policies, please reach out to Devin Laiho, Mobility Coordinator, at dlaiho@rochestermn.gov or 507-328-2434.

Reservation Hours and Info

To make a reservation, please call (507) 328-2520 during the hours below:

• Monday - Friday: 6 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Saturday, Sunday and Holidays: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

You can schedule rides up to 7 days ahead. For next-day rides, please call no later than 5 p.m. the day before. We appreciate as much advance notice as possible for next-day requests.

Because this is a shared-ride service, representatives may negotiate the pick-up or drop-off time with you by up to 60 minutes to accommodate all riders.

All ZIPS rides must take place within the designated ZIPS service area.

To view the ZIPS Service Area Map, please click the link below. You can zoom in on the map to explore common destinations or enter an address to verify its location within the service area.

• ZIPS Service Area Map

Service Hours

• Monday - Friday: Earliest pickup is 5 a.m. Latest pickup is 10:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Sunday and Holidays*: Earliest pickup is 6:30 a.m. Latest pickup is 7:30 p.m.

*Holiday service: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

The City of Rochester’s public transit program is committed to providing access and benefit of its program to all persons without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or socioeconomic status. The City of Rochester will not tolerate discrimination by its employees or its operators under contract to provide services.

You may access information about Rochester's Reasonable Modification Policy and how to file a Title II or Title VI complaint by clicking the links below: 

• Reasonable Modification Policy
• RPT Title II Complaint Process and Form
• RPT Title VI Complaint Process and Form

Complaints or concerns regarding discrimination may also be directed to:

City of Rochester Mobility Coordinator (507) 328-2434
4300 East River Road NE
Rochester, MN 55906

Rochester City Clerk (507)328-2900
201 SE 4th Street
Rochester, MN 55904

or 

FTA Office of Civil Rights
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20590