Rural Transit Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Rural Transit Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Rural Transit Day is celebrated on July 16th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Rural Transit Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you need know about Rural Transit Day.

📅 What day is Rural Transit Day 2024?

In 2024, Rural Transit Day is on Sunday, July 16th. It is the 3rd Sunday in July; in 2024, it is Tuesday. There are until the next observance. You also can view all the exciting details and facts about July 16, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Rural Transit Day is a special occasion celebrated annually on July 16. It was established in 2019 by the National Rural Transit Assistance Program (National R.T.A.P.) to recognize and appreciate transit organizations, passengers, and employees. The day is marked by various activities on Twitter, including contests and discussions, where people can share their thoughts about the benefits, challenges, and potential solutions related to rural transportation. Agencies are encouraged to take the Rural Transit Day Pledge to show their commitment to the cause and acknowledge the hard work of the rural transit heroes they collaborate with.

📜 Rural Transit Day History

Since its inception, the program has been actively involved in creating and distributing training materials, providing technical support, producing reports, sharing best practices, conducting research, offering peer assistance, and developing web-based applications for tribal and rural transportation providers as well as state R.T.A.P. programs. Additionally, the program has played a crucial role in fostering peer networks at the state, local, and regional levels to address training and technical assistance needs. Its ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of available training and technical assistance resources, promote the coordination of transportation services, and establish a comprehensive national database of industry data.

To achieve these objectives, the program offers a range of free resources and programs, including training manuals, webinars, newsletters, technical briefs, peer resources, research initiatives, and innovative technological projects. From 1992 to 2008, the National RTA Program was jointly managed by the F.T.A. and the Neponset Valley Transportation Management Association. Notably, the program started recognizing outstanding contributions with the “Achievements in Rural Transit Assistance” award in 1994. Furthermore, significant milestones include the inaugural National R.T.A.P. Technical Assistance Conference in 2012, the introduction of Tribal Transit Awards and Rural Transit Day celebrations in 2019, and the inaugural Tribal Transit Mini-Conference held in 2021.

✅ Rural Transit Day Facts

🔖 Millions of miles and hours of service
In 2013, rural transportation organizations were responsible for providing 495 million miles and 28 million hours of service.

🔖 Counties with a rural transit
As of 2013, the majority of counties, specifically 79%, had implemented some form of transportation service for rural areas.

🔖 Transit providers own most rural transit vehicles
69% of transportation vehicles in rural areas are privately owned, while the remaining vehicles are owned by a government agency that provides transportation services.

👍 Why Is Rural Transit Day Important

This unique day is for more than just the agencies and workers. The pledge emphasizes the importance of understanding passengers’ needs, providing equal, respectful, and helpful service, and involving passengers in service planning.

Another important aspect of Rural Transit Day is the social media conversation, which anyone can join.Understanding the specific benefits and problems of rural transit is quite beneficial.

Employee of the Month or Labor Day honors aren’t always enough. If you own an agency and want to do something genuinely unique for your employees, don’t settle for some kind words. Why not treat them to a meal?

🙂 How To Observe Rural Transit Day

⚡ Take part in the #RuralTransitDay Twitter Chat
If you lack the ability to take action, you can still find value in observing this day. Let’s discuss rural transportation, its advantages, current challenges, and possible remedies. To find out the exact date and time of this year’s chat, please refer to the “Twitter Chat” section provided in the link above.

⚡ Take the pledge
If you are employed by a transit or transportation company, you have the option to participate in the Rural Transit Day pledge as a way to show your backing for rural transportation. This pledge includes ten recommendations aimed at enhancing the quality of service provided to rural areas.

⚡ Create Rural Transit Day hero cards
As a business owner, you have the perfect chance to recognize and appreciate your outstanding employees and their accomplishments. Take advantage of this opportunity by creating a customized hero card using Microsoft Word, featuring a picture and details about the employee you wish to honor. Once completed, you can either print the card or send it via email to show your appreciation.

📅 When is Rural Transit Day?

View all 🔗 July holidays, including 🔗 Cause and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about Rural Transit Day. So be sure to check back soon.