Who is ROTA?

The Riverbank Oakdale Transit Authority, better known as ROTA, is a general public, curb to curb demand response public transit system. Service is provided to residents and visitors of the Cities of Riverbank and Oakdale and the immediate surrounding unincorporated areas with limited service to the Orange Blossom Rd. Area. See the ROTA Service Area Map by Clicking Here. ROTA vehicles are wheelchair and bicycle accessible.

ROTA Dial-A-Ride has DISCONTINUED service to Perko’s Cafe at Oakdale Rd & Sylvan Ave. and to the Modesto Amtrak Station.

ROTA Dial-A-Ride can be used for work, medical appointments, school, meetings, senior services, events and much more. Vehicles are wheelchair accessible for two wheelchairs and bicycle accessible for two bicycles.

How do I become eligible to ride ROTA?

ROTA is available to the general public, students, seniors and those with disabilities. If you are General Public you may access ROTA during business hours. If you have a disability, or are 65 and older, pick up an application for ROTA at one of the listed locations, or call 869-7444. Complete the application and if a signature is needed, have it signed by your physician. You will then be eligible to receive the discounted rate.

Where can I pick up applications, tickets and information?

Riverbank-Oakdale Transit Authority
Riverbank Industrial Park
5300 Claus Rd.
Riverbank, CA 95367

Oakdale City Hall
280 N. Third St.
Oakdale, CA

You may also purchase tickets and get information from your driver.

How do I arrange a ride?

To make a reservation, call: 209 869-7444, TTY/TDD: 711
ROTA operates Monday – Friday 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
No Saturday or Sunday service is provided.

ROTA Dial-A-Ride does not operate on New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day.

Reservations are required the day before your requested trip, with the exception of Zone rides. This will allow us to schedule your ride in a timely manner. You may call at least two hours in advance the same day, but your request will be filled on a space available basis and will cost double your fare.

Give the following information:
• Address where you are to be picked up.
• Address where you want to go.
• When you want to be picked up or appointment time if applicable.
• How many will be traveling.
• If you need a return trip.
• If you have a special need.
• Phone number where you can be reached.
• If you are bringing a bicycle.

Can I get Regularly-Scheduled Trips?

Riders may call up to 14 days in advance to schedule a trip. Riders who have a permanent weekly schedule, may request a permanent pick up time. Riders must call 30 minutes in advance to cancel the scheduled trip(s), if needed.

How do I cancel a ride?

If you don’t need a ride after you have scheduled one, please call and cancel as soon as possible, but not less than 30 minutes before the pick-up time. Three no-shows in a year may be cause for suspension of ROTA service for 30 days.

Personal Care Attendant

Seniors and those with disabilities may have one Personal Care Attendant (PCA) ride with them free. The PCA must ride to and from the same destination as the ADA individual.

If you do not need ROTA Dial-A-Ride, please call ROTA Dispatch at least 30 minutes before your scheduled trip. Failure to do so will result in a no-show. A rider may lose their riding privilege for 30 days after three consecutive no shows within a one-year period.

Dial-A-Ride Certification

Seniors and persons with disabilities will receive priority service if certified by ROTA. Persons with disabilities and seniors (age 65 and older) may fill out an application. Proof of disability from a medical professional or age verification is required in order to obtain an identification card.

If you would like an application form for seniors and persons with disabilities passengers, please click here to download an application. You can also find applications on the buses, at Oakdale City Hall, Riverbank City Hall, Oakdale Senior Center, Riverbank Library and the Oakdale Library or you can call (209) 869-7444 ; TTY/TDD users call 711 (via California Relay Service) or write:

Riverbank-Oakdale Transit Authority
Riverbank Industrial Park
5300 Claus Rd.
Riverbank, CA 95367

Other Policies for Using ROTA Dial-A-Ride

Wheelchairs are required to be in good working order with functional brakes. Our drivers are not allowed to push wheelchairs up or down inclines or over barriers. We encourage wheelchair users to remain in their chair and wear a lap belt during boarding and deboarding, as well as while riding ROTA Dial-A-Ride. All mobility devices will be secured to the bus.

Be ready when the bus arrives. Bus Drivers only wait three (3) minutes, five (5) minutes for ADA passengers. If you no longer need a ride, call and cancel at least 30 minutes before your scheduled trip. Drivers are not allowed to leave sight of their bus or enter a private residence or business.

Children under nine (9) years old will not be allowed on the bus unless accompanied by a fare paying passenger that is age 16 or older. No Smoking, Eating or Drinking allowed on the bus.

Shoes and a shirt must be worn at all times on the bus.

Carry on items limited to one trip.

Radios and “walkmans” are allowed with headphones, as long as the sound can not be heard by others.

Use of harsh language, profanity, and otherwise unruly behavior will not be tolerated.

Drivers cannot enter your home.

Wheelchairs must be secured.

Strollers must be folded and not placed in aisles.

Service animals are permitted for passengers with disabilities but must be under control of the passenger at all times.

No more than 3 bags, or one carry-on item not over 25 pounds, are allowed for each fare paying rider. All items must be in bags and may not be loaded above the top of the bag.

Drivers will help elderly and disabled riders load and unload bags, but only if this would not cause a delay in meeting the next rider.

General Public riders must carry their own bags and are subject to the same 3 bag limit.

For elderly and disabled riders, drivers will load and unload bags to the curb. For riders using wheelchairs, drivers will place bags inside the door of their residence

Our drivers are not permitted to make destination changes. If your plans change, please let us know by calling (209) 869-7444 .

ROTA provides free transportation to and from a StaRT bus stop for Jury Duty. You will be required to show your juror summons to the bus driver when boarding. Passengers will transfer to the StaRT Route 60 to continue into Downtown Modesto to the courthouse. Please inform us when making your reservation that you are going to Jury Duty.

Passengers can bring their bicycles along when traveling on ROTA Dial-A-Ride. The bike racks hold up to two bikes and are available on a first come, first serve basis.

NOTE: Some of these rules are part of the California Penal Code Sec 640. Violations may result in refusal of service and possible prosecution.