The RTA launched a new website. Explore it now.

November 14, 2022

Today, the RTA launched a new website featuring a refreshed brand for the agency representative of a forward-looking vision for the region’s transit system.

The RTA’s redeveloped website took shape based on analysis of how the old version of the site wasn’t serving users well. The analysis found that new visitors accounted for 85 percent of web traffic, demonstrating a need for intuitive navigation. Popular topics for site visitors included the RTA’s reduced fare/ride free programs and ADA Paratransit certification, demonstrating that there is a specific need for content as it relates to accessibility and using the transit system. However, the previous website was not ideal for screen readers used by people who are blind or have visual impairments or for mobile users. Another finding was that the old version of the website lacked photography and other opportunities for engagement.

A priority for the redeveloped website is accessibility, both through intuitive design and compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. Some of the ways the new website is more accessible and useful for riders include:

• The navigation was reorganized in a way that is intuitive for the average user, breaking up content based on whether it applies to the region as a whole, individual communities, or transit riders.
• The website was developed specifically to work well with screen readers used by people who have visual impairments. As these users tab through a webpage, content will be read in the correct order, and navigating to other pages on the website will be simple and intuitive.
• Brand new photos that focus on transit riders, transit’s relationship to land use, and regional collaboration are now featured throughout the site.
• Application forms, sign-ups, and other opportunities for engagement will be housed within the website rather than taking users to a fillable PDF or external Google Form, making these engagement opportunities easier to find and more customizable on the backend.
  

The new website is the next step in an ongoing effort to refresh the agency’s online presence. In early 2021, the data and mapping website for the agency, RTAMS, was relaunched with new interactive capabilities, a mapping and GIS portal, several data dashboards, and a digital document library with more than 600 current and historic transit documents. In January 2022, the agency launched a new online fare portal that allows riders with disabilities and seniors to apply for, renew or replace their ride free or discounted fare cards online rather than in person or by phone. The portal has been used more than 25,000 times since it launched.

The RTA’s updated brand brings the agency’s external look more in line with its values and vision of accessibility and rider focus, also going through extensive accessibility testing to assure it is applied in a way that maximizes legibility and improves the user experience. Until now, the RTA’s logo hasn’t changed much since 1977.

Early in the RTA’s history, a mascot named Buster the Bird helped riders navigate the region’s transit system. Now, riders can use a trip planner and rider resources online.

The new website and brand set the stage for the agency’s early December release of a new five-year strategic plan that incorporates the input of thousands of stakeholders and riders into a set of advocacy and action goals. The agency has engaged riders, advocates, community leaders and the region’s transit operators in developing the new plan.

The draft strategic plan will be made available Dec. 5, and a public comment period will last through Jan. 9, 2023. The RTA will hold a workshop and virtual public hearing on the draft plan and the 2023 Proposed Operating Budget, Two-Year Financial Plan, and Five-Year Capital Program from 4-6 p.m. on Dec. 7. All are welcome to join the event via Zoom. The RTA Board of Directors will vote on adopting the budget at their Dec. 15 meeting and will vote on the strategic plan at their Feb. 16, 2023, meeting. Subscribe to the RTA newsletter for updates.