Not only is Rides committed to the people of their community they are hoping to expand serviceto many people who visit their community. Rides envisions that the taxi will shuttle tourists and other people along the Ohio River while making stops at local communities. This would enhance the number of tourist coming into the area, and would provide opportunity for economic development within the towns along the river. Rides feels that the safety of their passengers and drivers are top priority. All drivers gothrough an extensive training period prior to getting behind the wheel of the Rides fleet.
Drivers assist the elderly on and off the bus and often carry packages and groceries to the door.
Rides is not only reaching people in the small Southern Illinois Community that is servesbut has recently gone global. Betty Green, CEO of RMTD gave a presentation which included the growth and expansion of Rides Mass Transit District over the years. Illinois Senator Dick Durbin was the recipient of the Friend of Transit Award and Kappy Scates from Senator Durbins office accepted the award on his behalf. A high point of the meeting every year is the recognition of the staff and the presentation of safety awards. This year additional plaques and trophies were given out to Division winners of the first RMTD Bus Roadeo.