Gadsden Transportation Service Ridership Advisory Sub-Committee (RASC)

GTS is always looking for innovative ways to better serve our customers and our community.  As part of that ongoing effort, GTS has created a Ridership Advisory Sub-Committee with the goal of deepening public understanding about how we operate, gathering valuable feedback, and improve the overall transit experience.

To download an application, please click here.

Q: What is the Ridership Advisory Sub-Committee (RASC)?  

A: The RASC is an appointed/volunteer group of people from different backgrounds who utilize public transportation.

Q: Why did GTS establish the RASC?

A: The RASC is a major component of a commitment to change the way GTS conducts business and makes the agency more responsive to our customers. GTS believes in giving customers a meaningful voice and actively listens to what they have to say regarding our transit system.

Q: How many people are on the RASC and how long do they serve?

A: There are 25 RASC members, all of whom serve two-year terms.

Q: Who are the RASC members?

A: The RASC is comprised of people who represent a diverse cross-section of the communities in Gadsden.  City employees and elected officials will not be eligible to serve on the RASC.

Q: How are the RASC members selected?

A: The members are selected based on factors such as ridership habits, commuting experiences and community involvement, plus appointments by City leaders.

• 18 members from an open application process that is available to anyone that resides in the City of Gadsden.
• 1 member from each District that will be appointed by the City Council member from that district (total of 7).

Q: How often does the RASC meet and what do they do?

A: The RASC meets bi-monthly, the Thursday prior to the Citizen’s Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting. Members will hear presentations from GTS’s top leadership and staff on a wide range of topics including transit planning, major bus projects, transit-oriented developments and more. In addition, RASC will have open discussions on transit related topics brought up by the RASC members.

Q: Are RASC meetings open to public and do members vote?

A: The RASC plays a strictly advisory role and no votes are taken. The meetings are not open to the public but bi-monthly meeting summaries will be passed on to the Citizen’s Advisory Committee (CAC).

Q: Who manages the RASC and presides during the meetings?

A: The Transit Coordinator for Transportation or his designee will facilitate the RASC meetings.

Q: I’m interested in becoming an RASC member, how can I do that?

A: Anyone 18 and over who meets the following eligibility requirements can apply to be an RASC member.

• Lives in the City limits of Gadsden, Alabama;
• Has commuting experience with the fixed route and/or DART service; 
• Has consistent ridership habits;
• Has a desire for community involvement;
• Has a desire to make public transportation accessible for all residents;
• Is over the age of eighteen (18);
• Is not employed by the City of Gadsden;
• Is not an elected official.

Q: How can I find out more about the RASC? 

A: Please send an email to tdail@cityofgadsden.com  or call 256-549-4519 ext. 3