Frequently Asked Questions

Expanding Access One Ride at a Time

The passing of the recent millage has allowed us to expand and improve transportation services across Calhoun County. We’re excited to share the progress we’ve made so far and the plans we’re working toward to ensure safe, reliable, and accessible transportation for everyone in Albion, Battle Creek, Marshall, and Springfield.

This page answers some of the most common questions about our services—RC MAX fixed routes, RC MOVE paratransit, and RC FLEX on-demand rides—and how together they help us move closer to our mission: improving lives, one ride at a time.

What is TACC and why was it created?

The Transportation Authority of Calhoun County (TACC), operating as Ride Calhoun, was created to improve mobility for all Calhoun County residents.

In 2020, a countywide study revealed major gaps in transportation—especially for rural residents, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income households. TACC was formed to close those gaps and build a stronger, more connected community.

Who oversees TACC?

TACC is an independent organization—it is not part of the city or county government. Oversight comes from a dedicated Board of Directors, who guide the agency’s mission, operations, and accountability to the community.

Why is my city’s transit service changing?

Don’t worry, you’re not losing service, you’re gaining more. Instead of transit being limited to one city, Ride Calhoun connects the whole county. That means more places you can get to, more people you can connect with, and fewer gaps in service.

Whether you need to get to work, a doctor’s appointment, school, or shopping, this system makes it easier to travel beyond city limits without worrying about where one service stops and another starts.

What problems is TACC trying to solve?

Limited or no transit options outside Battle Creek and Marshall
High barriers for seniors, people with disabilities, and households without a car
Too many disconnected providers — multiple systems with no coordination
Uneven service quality and coverage across the county

Who will benefit from TACC?

Everyone in Calhoun County—but especially:

Veterans
Seniors and people with disabilities
Low-income households
Residents without access to a car
Workers, students, and families who need safe, affordable rides to jobs, healthcare, school, and shopping

What services will TACC provide?

Fixed-route buses in urban areas like Battle Creek and Springfield (Max fleet)
On-demand rides in all participating areas/jurisdictions.
ADA paratransit within the fixed route service area.

When will services start?

We’re on track to launch service by October 2025.

I’m paying taxes now—why can’t I ride yet?

We hear you—and you’re right to ask. When voters approved the millage in November 2024, that gave us permission to start building the system, but we couldn’t begin earlier. Here’s why:

We needed to become designated by the governor as the official transit authority to receive state and federal funds
We had to buy buses and technology, which takes months to manufacture and deliver
We’re hiring and training drivers to make sure service is safe and reliable

Building a new, larger system from scratch is a big job, but these steps are essential to do it right the first time.

What has TACC been doing since the vote?

A lot! Since the millage passed, we’ve:

Established the governing board and legal structure
Secured state and federal funding
Ordered buses and technology systems
Begun hiring and training local staff
Started developing operational agreements with the City of Battle Creek, City of Marshall, and MDOT (to be finalized by Oct. 1)

Why does it take almost a year to start service?

It’s about doing it right, not rushing and failing later. We’re establishing:

A brand-new agency from the ground up
An integrated system across existing providers
Safety, insurance, ADA compliance, and maintenance facilities

Skipping steps could mean unsafe, unreliable service and wasted tax dollars.

Why is the fare changing?

Ride Calhoun assumed operations of the existing public transit systems (Marshall Dial-a-Ride and Battle Creek Transit) on October 1, 2025. Ride Calhoun has maintained the fare structures established by DART and BCT while gathering public feedback regarding a revised, unified fare structure.

Existing fares varied widely between previous service providers and ranged from $.85 – $15.00 depending on service mode and distance traveled. Ride Calhoun must transition from these previous fare structures to a unified fare structure under the Authority.

What services are impacted by fare changes?

Fares for RC Max and RC Move will be maintained from the previous fare structure in place under Battle Creek Transit. There is no change proposed to fixed-route or para-transit fares.

A fare structure for RC Flex, which replaces Marshall Dial-a-Ride and BCGo, is being proposed to reflect travel within and between the four communities.

Why is a fare required?

Fare establishment and collection is a complicated process largely dictated by State and Federal regulations. Fares support, rather than directly pay for, the cost of providing service. The TACC budget recognizes an estimated 7% farebox recovery rate, meaning roughly 7% of TACC revenues are generated by fares paid at the farebox.

State lawmakers, as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Michigan Budget, added language that states: “It is the intent of the legislature that all transit agencies in this state should strive to achieve a farebox recovery rate of not less than 6%.”

Millage revenues, under current legislation, cannot be counted toward the farebox recovery rate, and therefore, fares must be charged at the farebox in order to meet this intent.

Will discounted fares be available?

Reduced fares will remain available on RC Max service and reduced fares are included in the RC Flex fare proposal. Reduced fares are not available on RC Move (paratransit).