Dedicated to Improving Public Transit in Northwest Indiana
Although the RBA as it exists today has been around only since 2005, predecessor agencies have strived to provide public transportation for more than 25 years. The RBA is funded through monies provided by Regional Development Authority, federal and state grants and fare collections.
The RBA is a valuable asset to its partner agencies, and the RBA is able to provide the local match portion, thereby leveraging funds to obtain federal dollars that would otherwise be out of reach. This funding has been used to upgrade buses and equipment. You may access our annual reports or contact us for more detailed information.
Regional Bus Authority Fast Facts
2001
Created as Regional Transit Authority (RTA), funded solely by Lake County
2005
Re-Established as Regional Bus Authority (RBA) with adoption of legislation that formed Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA)
2006
Obtained Capacity Building funding of $300,000 from RDA to sustain RBA for short term organizational operations
2007
Adopted the RBA Strategic and Operations Plan with the RBA as a Regional Operator, to transfer to a Universal Operator in the future
Obtained Regional Services Grant of $6.5 million to create Regional Bus Transit Routes, Express Bus Service, Call Center, Demand Response Dispatch Center, Capital Equipment Matches, Continued RBA Operations w/ NIRPC
2008
Enhanced three Regional Routes in partnership with Gary Public Transportation Corporation (GPTC) in 2008:
- Call Center Established
- Demand Dispatch Center Established
- More than $400,000 committed in capital equipment matching dollars
Parsons Brinkerhoff Study reviewed 2007 SOP and suggested RBA to become Universal Operator immediately
2009
Utilizing federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Funds, RBA has committed more than $500,000 to match ARRA funds in capital purchases with operational dollars:
- Signed Express Bus Contract, 2-8-10 start date
- Expanded Demand Response Dispatch Services
- Started Fixed Route Control Center
- Started Consolidated AVL and Fare Box projects
Parsons Brinkerhoff performed Northwest Indiana Consolidation Study suggesting a Universal Transit Operator for three fixed route transit services.
2010
RBA assumed responsibility for the management and operation of Hammond Transit Systems through a partnership with the City of Hammond. Fixed route and complementary paratransit will remain unchanged as the RBA conducts public hearings throughout the service area and prepares specifications for new operations contracts which will include new services and changes to existing services.
Notice: All information on this page is available in alternate formats upon request.