About Us
Our History
Ribbon Cutting ceremony featuring the individuals that made Richland County Transit a reality. Photo taken in 2007.
Richland County Transit (then known as Richland County Transportation Service) began in 2006. It was a project built from the desire of four agencies to expand what they do to benefit the entire county. Here is a little background about how and why RCT got its start: Richland County is in an area that is prone to high winds, extreme temperatures and frequent storms during every season of the year. Without personal transportation many residents had to face these elements on their own when in need of important services such as medical appointments and even grocery shopping. Social gatherings were nearly impossible to attend without the help of a neighbor or friend. This led some to feel that they had lost an important part of their independence and led to feelings of isolation.
The Richland County Commission on Aging, The Lodge at Lone Tree Creek, Richland Opportunities, Inc., and Sidney Health Center Extended Care all recognized how this could impact individuals. Each agency already provided limited transportation to their own clients but saw the need for a much broader service. By working together, the four agencies founded RCT; a solution that would prove to be beneficial for the entire county and serve many more individuals than any one agency could do on their own.
RCT is coordinated through a County office with each agency contributing through staffing and monetary means. The year RCT began in 2006, it operated for 8 hours per day five days per week and served about 13,000 passengers. Just a few years later RCTS is delivering about 50,000 rides per year and had expanded its hours to include evening service. In addition to its regular service, RCT also provides a number of day trips in the summer months. These popular trips give residents the opportunity to not only enjoy the necessitates but also a variety of entertainment events. Popular day trip destinations include the Fort Peck Theater and the Medora Musical. RCT also serves the community by providing transportation to the Sidney Area Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture's Leadership classes and extends its hours to be open during various community events.
Through the years, RCT has been happy to see the difference that freedom of mobility is making to its passengers. Many senior riders have said it gives them the ability to remain living independently, youth riders tell us they are able to do things they might have missed out on due to their parent's work schedules, and yet other riders have said they find the bus more relaxing and cost effective than driving their own vehicles. Whatever reason you choose to ride RCT, we will strive to make it an experience you will gladly repeat the next time you are in need of transportation. From making your reservation to taking your ride "We Value Your Freedom".
The Richland County Commission on Aging, The Lodge at Lone Tree Creek, Richland Opportunities, Inc., and Sidney Health Center Extended Care all recognized how this could impact individuals. Each agency already provided limited transportation to their own clients but saw the need for a much broader service. By working together, the four agencies founded RCT; a solution that would prove to be beneficial for the entire county and serve many more individuals than any one agency could do on their own.
RCT is coordinated through a County office with each agency contributing through staffing and monetary means. The year RCT began in 2006, it operated for 8 hours per day five days per week and served about 13,000 passengers. Just a few years later RCTS is delivering about 50,000 rides per year and had expanded its hours to include evening service. In addition to its regular service, RCT also provides a number of day trips in the summer months. These popular trips give residents the opportunity to not only enjoy the necessitates but also a variety of entertainment events. Popular day trip destinations include the Fort Peck Theater and the Medora Musical. RCT also serves the community by providing transportation to the Sidney Area Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture's Leadership classes and extends its hours to be open during various community events.
Through the years, RCT has been happy to see the difference that freedom of mobility is making to its passengers. Many senior riders have said it gives them the ability to remain living independently, youth riders tell us they are able to do things they might have missed out on due to their parent's work schedules, and yet other riders have said they find the bus more relaxing and cost effective than driving their own vehicles. Whatever reason you choose to ride RCT, we will strive to make it an experience you will gladly repeat the next time you are in need of transportation. From making your reservation to taking your ride "We Value Your Freedom".
Our Mission
Richland County Transit strives to provide Richland County residents with reliable transportation to meet their medical, nutritional, social and economic needs to help improve their quality of life. In achieving this, Richland County Transit will:
Maintain a transportation plan that allows residents maximum mobility;
Maintain a transportation plan that emphasizes safety, quality, courtesy and efficiency;
Provide and maintain a fleet of safe and functional vehicles for the public benefit;
Provide and train a team of employees that embody the spirit of our goals.
At RCT we truly value each and every one of our passenger's right to live independently and productively. It was this principle that helped found RCT in the beginning and has influenced our decisions ever since. Over the past seven years, we have striven to meet our passenger's needs by expanding services to fit those passenger's lives. We have added door-to-door service where drivers give personal assistance so passengers no longer need to worry about slipping on the ice or hauling packages and shopping bags to their door. We have extended our morning and evening hours to accommodate employees and the parents of school age children and we have added Sunday service for those who want to attend church services or do their shopping and errands on the weekends. All of these things were done to help increase our passenger's mobility and achieve our mission. At RCT, we value you and your freedom.
To view this year's Coordination Plan
Maintain a transportation plan that allows residents maximum mobility;
Maintain a transportation plan that emphasizes safety, quality, courtesy and efficiency;
Provide and maintain a fleet of safe and functional vehicles for the public benefit;
Provide and train a team of employees that embody the spirit of our goals.
At RCT we truly value each and every one of our passenger's right to live independently and productively. It was this principle that helped found RCT in the beginning and has influenced our decisions ever since. Over the past seven years, we have striven to meet our passenger's needs by expanding services to fit those passenger's lives. We have added door-to-door service where drivers give personal assistance so passengers no longer need to worry about slipping on the ice or hauling packages and shopping bags to their door. We have extended our morning and evening hours to accommodate employees and the parents of school age children and we have added Sunday service for those who want to attend church services or do their shopping and errands on the weekends. All of these things were done to help increase our passenger's mobility and achieve our mission. At RCT, we value you and your freedom.
To view this year's Coordination Plan
The Faces of Richland County Transit
You'll always find a friendly face at RCTS. RCTS relies on its employees to make sure every aspect of your trip runs as smoothly as possible. From the dispatchers to the drivers, we're here to help and happy to do it!
Director
Jodi Berry started with Richland County Transit in 2009. She is currently the Department Head for both Transit and the Commission on Aging. She is a Certified Community Transit Manager and is certified in First Aid and CPR. As a Certified PASS (Passenger Assistance, Safety & Service) Trainer she has had the opportunity to train drivers from all around the state of Montana. Jodi enjoys spending time with friends and family and is looking forward to seeing RCT continue to grow over the next several years.
Coordinator
Sean became the RCT Coordinator in April 2023. His day-to-day duties range from filling staffing needs, reviewing passenger interactions, project research and filling in wherever needed. Sean's favorite part of his job is talking to and meeting RCT passengers. In his spare time Sean enjoys staying active with golf, tennis and pickleball. Sean and his wife also volunteer as youth group leaders on Wednesday evenings and take great pride in the satisfaction they get in helping area youth. Sean is certified in First Aid and CPR and is a certified PASS Transit Professional.
Administrative Assistant
Jeana Barnhart joined RCT and the Richland County Commission on Aging in January of 2024. She has years of experience with Medicare, Part D prescription drug plans, & health care. Jeana has spent the majority of her life in Sidney, growing up here, attending schools, and cheering on the Sidney Eagles! She is married to Thom Barnhart, they have two daughters, Lauryn & Suttyn, Jeana enjoys life by spending time with her family, including her fur-babies several Great Dane rescues, gardening, painting, and traveling. She is very excited to be back to work and serving the community.
Dispatcher
Jolene Brese is the voice you'll most likely hear on the phone when calling RCT. Jolene has over 20 years of experience in dispatching and takes the majority of our reservations. She is a native of Sidney but spent 30 years in California. In 2014 she decided to come home and take a place with RCT. She enjoys woodworking, gardening, sewing and scavenging for treasures. Jolene is certified in First Aid and CPR and is a certified PASS Transit Professional.
Drivers
Becky Zueger has been driving for RCT since May of 2013. She enjoys the passengers and tackling new challenges. In 2022 she attended her first driving ROADeo and placed 4th in the state; beating out many drivers who have competed at the ROADeo for more than 15 years. Becky likes to spend time outdoors and with her family and friends. She is an avid quilter, gardener and motorcycle enthusiast. Becky is certified in First Aid and CPR and is a certified PASS Transit Professional.
Teri Riedman has been driving for RCT since May of 2016. She came to RCT with years of experience driving school bus and says she enjoys the more varied schedule and passengers she is able to meet and assist in her current position. In 2022, Teri competed against nearly fifty drivers from around the state at the Montana Transit Association ROADeo and placed in the top 10; a great showing for her first time in the competition! Outside of work, Teri enjoys spending time with her family, friends and her grandbabies. Teri is certified in First Aid and CPR and is a certified PASS Transit Professional.
Courage Wleh has been with RCT since June of 2023. She works as the Commission on Aging Homemaker each morning and drives bus every afternoon until closing. When she isn't working for Richland County, she is busy operating her own transportation service called 4U Transportation. This service complements RCT as it runs after our regular hours and on weekends; she will also take passengers out of town for appointments and shopping. Courage is certified in First Aid and CPR and is a certified PASS Transit Professional.
Substitute Drivers
Pat Rau came to us through her work with our partner agency, Sidney Health Center Extended Care. As part of our cooperative, Extended Care supplies RCT with a driver two days each week. Pat has been doing this for Extended Care since 2017. When she is not working for them, she will fill in for our regular full-time drivers when needed. Pat is certified in First Aid and CPR and is a certified PASS Transit Professional..
Rance Haralson was a long-time Sidney Health Center employee but found he wanted something more to do in retirement. In June 2023 he tried sub-driving for RCT and is a perfect fit. Rance also keeps busy providing ultrasound services in Plentywood and staying involved with local sports; he performs various functions from keeping time to officiating basketball, volleyball and baseball. When he's "not busy" he enjoys travelling to see his kids and grandkids. Rance is certified in First Aid and CPR and is a certified PASS Transit Professional.
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Lisa