Accessibility & Paratransit

To access the ZIPS service, an eligibility application must be completed first.

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 the 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 can purchase fares and passes for ZIPS paratransit service and access reduced fares for the regular fixed-route bus service.

Please note - If you are a 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 in cash or by check directly from ZIPS drivers, at the RPT Office (4300 East River Road NE, Rochester, MN 55906), or with 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 at 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.

The Rochester Public Transit Code of Conduct outlines expectations for customers, aimed at ensuring a positive experience for all.

This Code of Conduct applies to all users of ZIPS services and facilities. While some guidelines are common sense, others are mandated by state law, as detailed in Minnesota Statute 609.855, which addresses transit-related offenses.

Pay the correct fare

Refusal to pay the appropriate fare may result in penalties. Please ensure you have your fare ready when boarding the vehicle. 

No distracting or disorderly behavior

Interfering with the safe operation of a transit vehicle poses risks to everyone on board. Do not distract the driver while the vehicle is in motion and refrain from engaging in disorderly, threatening, or violent conduct. Such behavior may result in penalties or intervention by law enforcement. 

Keep the vehicle safe

Do not bring dangerous substances or toxic materials on the vehicles. Oxygen tanks are permitted for individuals who require supplemental oxygen. 

Be on time

Transit vehicles operate on a schedule and cannot wait for late passengers to arrive. Please arrive early and be visible for your scheduled departure window. 

Respect fellow passengers and their space

Your bag belongs in your lap, not taking up the seat next to you. Only bring the number of items that you can safely carry in one trip and fit on your lap when seated. 

Use headphones and respect others’ privacy

Please use headphones when listening to music and/or electronic devices to maintain a quiet environment for all passengers. 

No eating, alcohol, or drinks in uncovered containers

To maintain cleanliness and hygiene, eating and drinking are not allowed on ZIPS vehicles unless in covered containers. Alcohol is not permitted.

Use your inside voice

Be mindful of your volume, language, and call duration when talking on the phone.

Use respectful language

Profanity and derogatory language not attributed to a disability are prohibited on ZIPS vehicles and at RPT facilities. Any instances of such behavior will be documented and may lead to penalties.

Help keep the vehicle clean

Respect the space for those who will ride after you by not damaging or littering the vehicle. Respect the space for those who will ride after you by not damaging or littering the vehicle. 

No soliciting or selling

Conducting business or circulating petitions with passengers is prohibited on buses or at stops. 

No smoking or chewing

No smoking is allowed on board ZIPS vehicles. This includes smoking and/or chewing tobacco, marijuana use, and electronic cigarettes or vaporizers. 

Wear appropriate clothing

All passengers must wear a shirt, shoes, and legwear/bottom garments when riding ZIPS vehicles.

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.

• View the ZIPS Service Area Map

• 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.

Information about Rochester's Reasonable Modification Policy and how to file a Title II or Title VI complaint:

• 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