Tour to feature ‘Holiday Sweater’ on RTA bus

The Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority kicks off its annual Holiday Bus tour in Dayton Children’s Parade. The holiday bus will be cruising the streets of Dayton with its best “holiday sweater” this winter to celebrate the season.

This year’s bus is decorated in an “ugly sweater” theme, with a classic holiday sweater design on the exterior. The bus is suited up in holiday garb both inside and out, and will be in service on different routes from Friday, Nov. 24 through the end of the year.

Thanks to RTA RideTime, people can track the bus to find out what route it’ll be on throughout the holiday season. Following the parade, the holiday bus will make appearances throughout the Dayton area, switching routes daily. The RTA will update customers daily on its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/iriderta) regarding which routes the holiday bus will be on.

The fun extends to customers in the form of photos and prizes. Riders who hop aboard the Holiday Bus through Jan. 1, 2018 will be treated to a candy cane treat and fun “ugly sweater” decorations inside the bus. In the back of the bus the RTA has set up an Ugly Sweater Photo Booth and is encouraging riders to share their photos on RTA’s Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Followers who share their photos will automatically be entered into a weekly drawing for a 7-day bus pass.

In addition, the RTA will also be running a contest over the holiday season for all subscribers to RTA RideTime text and email alerts. All customers signed up for the system by January 2 will be entered into a drawing to win one of three iPads. It’s easy to subscribe online at iriderta.org/RideTime by selecting “subscribe.”

Due to street closures for Friday’s holiday events, RTA will make route changes and temporary bus stops beginning at 5 p.m. Friday.

■ At 5 p.m.: Four bus stops will close starting at 5 p.m.

Eastbound: (3rd at Perry St.) Passengers can catch the bus at Wright Stop Plaza.

Westbound: (3rd at Perry) & (3rd @ St. Mary’s) Passengers can catch the bus at WSP.

Southbound: (Ludlow at Second) Passengers can catch the bus at WSP.

After 7 p.m: The stop eastbound on 3rd at Mary’s will be closed. Passengers can catch the bus at 3rd and St. Clair.

Between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.: WSP will be closed from 7-9 p.m. Temporary bus stops will be at the following locations:

Eastbound- Third St. @ St. Clair St. Westbound- Third St. @ Jefferson St. Northbound- Jefferson St. @ Third St. Southbound- Third St. @Jefferson St.

Additional transit ambassadors and supervisors will be on hand Friday evening to help passengers arrive on time and safely to their destinations.