Customer Advocacy Group

Customer Advocacy Group Mission Statement:

To actively seek input from a broad range of riders on operational and service issues that affect bus riders and organizations with an expressed interest in public transit.

The RTA Customer Advocacy Group will:

• advise RTA staff on ways to resolve such issues in order to improve the bus system;
• promote RTA responsiveness to riders;
• and recommend possible solutions to the staff, based on public input, so that RTA can effectively address the diverse concerns of the riding public.

The Customer Advocacy Group mission is consistent with RTA’s goal to encourage public input in order to provide the best service to all of its customers.

Interested in Becoming a Member:

Please email Nathan Owens at @email.

The Greater Dayton RTA connects with various agencies throughout the region as it relates to funding, regulations transportation services. To help ensure our customers and stakeholders are up to date on information as it relates to RTA, we've included a list of quick links to these programs and organizations which could impact service: 

Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) 
https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/news 

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) provides financial and technical assistance to local public transit systems, including buses, subways, light rail, commuter rail, trolleys and ferries. FTA also oversees safety measures and helps develop next-generation technology research. 

Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) 
http://www.dot.state.oh.us/Pages/Home.aspx 

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)is the administrative department of the Ohio state government responsible for developing and maintaining all state and federal roadways in the state of Ohio with exception of the Ohio Turnpike. 

American Public Transportation Association (APTA) 
http://www.apta.com/Pages/default.aspx 

APTA is the leading force in advancing public transportation. APTA’s mission is to strengthen and improve public transportation, APTA serves and leads its diverse membership through advocacy, innovation and information sharing. APTA and its members and staff work to ensure that public transportation is available and accessible for all Americans in communities across the country. 

Ohio Public Transportation Association (OPTA) 
https://www.ohioneedstransit.org/ 

OPTA is the primary advocate for public transportation in Ohio. Now nearly 400 members strong, the Association provides leadership, resources, training, support, technical assistance, media outreach, public engagement, and governmental relations services to public and private transit agencies across the state. 

Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC) 
https://www.mvrpc.org/news 

The Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC) has served the planning needs of the Miami Valley in Southwest Ohio since 1964, serving the Region for more than fifty years. MVRPC serves as the MPO for Montgomery, Miami, Greene Counties, plus a portion of Northern Warren County. MVRPC also provides Regional and Environmental planning support for members in seven counties. MVRPC policies guide agency interactions in many areas including the implementation of project funding, public participation in the planning process, public records retention and access, and non-discrimination. 

Bike Miami Valley (BMV) 
http://www.bikemiamivalley.org/ 

To advocate, promote, and create opportunities for all forms of bicycling in the Miami Valley. 

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) 
http://www.ood.ohio.gov/Information/Notice-of-Public-Hearing 

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) is the State of Ohio agency that partners with Ohioans with disabilities to achieve quality employment and independence. We also make determinations on Social Security disability. OOD works with partners in business, education and non-profit organizations to facilitate customized employment plans for Ohioans with disabilities; help Ohio companies recruit and retain employees with disabilities; and is the sole agency administering the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs in Ohio. 

Easterseals 
http://www.easterseals.com/who-we-are/news/ (National) 
http://gesmv.org/ (Local – Miami Valley) 

Easterseals provides exceptional services, education, outreach, and advocacy so that people living with autism and other disabilities can live, learn, work and play in our communities. Easterseals has been helping individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families, live better lives for more than 90 years. From child development centers to physical rehabilitation and job training for people with disabilities, Easterseals offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities address life's challenges and achieve personal goals. 

Access Center for Independent Living 
http://www.acils.com/category/news-and-events/ 

Independent living is about having the right to make choices, to make one’s own mistakes, and to learn from them in the same way that people without disabilities can. People with disabilities must be empowered to take control over their own lives. 
Independent Living is about freedom of choice. It is about being included. It celebrates people with disabilities living a high quality life. As a Center for Independent Living, we fully adopt this philosophy in all aspects of our organization. Consumer control is becoming more common in many organizations, but we have been following it since the center was formed. 

United Rehabilitation Services 
http://ursdayton.org/ 

Enhancing the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities or other special needs. United Rehabilitation Services will be the Greater Dayton leader in providing specialized programs that enhance the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities or other special needs. Our services will promote independence, community inclusion, and support for families. United Rehabilitation Services currently serves Montgomery, Greene, Clark, Miami, Champaign and Warren Counties.