Reliable transportation has become an increasing challenge for some RCC students and employees, particularly those traveling between Jackson and Josephine counties, accessing Table Rock Campus (TRC) from Medford, or commuting between Redwood Campus (RWC) and the Illinois Valley.
We recognize how important transportation is to accessing education and employment. Unfortunately, funding, staffing and operational challenges affecting our regional transit partners have resulted in reduced routes and schedules across Southern Oregon.
Access to Table Rock Campus
Rogue Valley Transportation District (RVTD) suspended Route 61, which previously provided direct service to TRC. RCC has raised concerns about campus access directly with RVTD, including asking whether service might be restored following passage of its local option levy.
In June, RVTD confirmed that Route 61 remained suspended due to budget constraints and lower ridership, with no timeline for restoration. Although RVTD has announced that some services will return in December, direct service to TRC is not among the announced restorations.
Transportation in Josephine County
Josephine Community Transit (JCT) continues to serve RWC, although reduced runs have limited transportation options for some students. Route 50 connects RWC with Cave Junction and communities along Highway 199, while Route 100 connects Grants Pass and Medford.
Available Resources and Next Steps
RCC continues working with RVTD and JCT to communicate transportation concerns, monitor service changes, and identify opportunities to improve access. While routes and schedules are determined by our regional transit providers, RCC helps make available transportation more affordable:
- RVTD: RCC students can purchase unlimited-ride passes for $15 per term for currently operating routes.
- JCT: RCC students can ride at no cost with proof of current enrollment.
- Get There Connect: Students and employees can explore carpool matching and other commuting options.
We know these resources will not meet everyone’s needs, particularly in our largely rural, two-county service area where transportation alternatives are already limited.
RCC will continue advocating for the transportation needs of our students and employees and sharing updates as services change.
Those who work directly with students often have the clearest picture of how transportation challenges affect their ability to attend classes and access services. Please feel free to share what you’re hearing or observing with Susan Bame, Resource Coordinator, via email or on Teams. These insights help inform our ongoing conversations with regional transportation partners.
For other information and resources, visit RCC’s Transit Information page.