RCT and NECIC Awarded Federal Grant to Pilot Workforce Transportation in Mansfield
Richland County Transit (RCT), in partnership with the North End Community Improvement Collaborative (NECIC) and the Mansfield community, has been awarded a Phase 2 Mobility, Access, and Transportation Insecurity (MATI) grant to address workforce transportation.
The grant, funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and administered by the University of Minnesota, will support a one-year pilot of extended RCT service in Mansfield, plus a research project measuring the impact of this service on riders and employers.
Extended RCT Service Coming in 2026
Beginning in May 2026, two new RCT routes will offer extended hours – 4-7:30a and 7p-midnight – Monday through Friday in areas of Mansfield, providing reliable transportation for workers with early or late shifts. RCT will offer a “deviated fixed route” model, where riders can walk to a stop for the standard fare, or request a pickup within ¼ mile of the route for a small premium.
“We wanted to maximize the coverage for the funding available,” said Jean Taddie, Regional Planning’s Transit Development Manager. Service will focus on the areas of greatest need, including:
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Neighborhoods with high percentages of zero vehicle households
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Employers who offer 2nd, 3rd and early 1st shift jobs, especially in the Longview Avenue corridor and Mansfield Industrial Park
This service will be available to the public, and can also be used for early/late shopping, appointments, or other purposes.
Community-Driven Plan
The project design reflects more than 720 points of community engagement over the past year, including surveys, focus groups, interviews, and stakeholder meetings with residents, employers, and local agencies.
RCT and NECIC are now seeking additional community input during the implementation phase. A stakeholder team will meet quarterly to discuss route details, safety, public outreach, and participation in the research study.
Measuring Local Impact
As part of the FTA’s national research initiative, the local MATI team will assess how expanded transportation options affect employment outcomes and mobility access.
NECIC will lead community outreach and survey efforts for those who face transportation challenges. “We want to understand how the new service impacts transportation security for residents who need it most,” said Matthew Scruggs, CEO of NECIC. Participants who share their experiences before and after the pilot launch will receive compensation for their time.
Transit consultants RLS and Associates will lead the effort to evaluate the service’s impact on employer recruitment and retention.
Get Involved
Community members, organizations, and employers interested in joining the stakeholder team can contact rctadmin@rcrpc.org or call 419-774-6396.
Residents who would like to participate in the paid research study can reach NECIC at 419-522-1611.
