River Cities Travel Center
| Company type | Public transit authority |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Predecessor | Central Arkansas Transit Authority |
| Founded | 1986 |
| Founder | Pulaski County and six cities |
| Fate | Renamed from Central Arkansas Transit Authority in 2015 |
| Headquarters | Little Rock , United States |
Area served | Pulaski County, Arkansas |
| Products | Bus services, Metro Streetcar, LINKS ADA paratransit program, Metro Connect (microtransit) |
| Owner | Public corporation formed by Pulaski County and cities |
| Website | rockregionmetro |
Rock Region Metropolitan Transit Authority (commonly known as Rock Region Metro) stands as the largest public transit provider in Arkansas, delivering transportation services throughout Pulaski County. Previously identified as the Central Arkansas Transit Authority, it operates a network of 25 bus lines, which includes four express commuter routes, along with the LINKS ADA paratransit program. The historic Metro Streetcar travels a 3.4-mile route linking downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock. In 2022, the system recorded an annual ridership totaling 1,750,545 passengers, with a daily average of 5,908 riders.
Background
Prior to the establishment of CATA, transit operations were under private ownership. Up until 1950, Arkansas Power & Light (AP&L), now Entergy Arkansas, managed the transit system. AP&L then sold it to local investors who formed the Capital Transportation Company (CTC), which encountered financial difficulties exacerbated by a union strike during 1955-56.
In 1956, the franchise was awarded by Little Rock and North Little Rock to Citizens' Coach Company (CCC), supported by local labor unions. However, CCC ceased operations by 1962 due to declining income and increasing labor costs. Twin City Transit (TCT) assumed control in 1962 and utilized federal funding to modernize its fleet and temporarily stabilize finances. Despite these improvements, the growing demand for city services outstripped fare-generated revenue.
A study conducted in 1971 advocated for public ownership through a regional authority. As a result, Central Arkansas Transit commenced service under Metroplan in 1972 but lacked sufficient resources for sustainable management. To resolve funding and governance challenges, Pulaski County along with six cities established CATA as a public corporation via an interlocal agreement in 1986. Cammack Village later withdrew its financial participation in 2006. On August 12, 2015, CATA adopted the name Rock Region Metro to better represent its regional mission.
Bus Routes
| #1 | Pulaski Heights | #10 | McCain Mall | #19 | Hensley Express |
| #2 | South Main | #11 | Dr. M.L.K. Jr. Drive | #20 | Hanger Hill/College Station |
| #3 | Baptist Medical Center | #12 | Clinton Center/Airport | #21 | Riverdale |
| #4 | Levy/Amboy | #13 | Pulaski Tech | #22 | University/Mabelvale |
| #5 | West Markham | #14 | Rosedale | #23 | Baseline/Southwest |
| #6 | Granite Mountain | #16 | UALR | #25 | Pinnacle Mountain Express |
| #7 | Shorter College | #17 | Mabelvale-Downtown | #26 | Maumelle/Oak Grove Express |
| #8 | Rodney Parham | #18 | McAlmont | #36 | Jacksonville/Sherwood Express |
| #9 | West Central/Barrow Road |
Streetcars
The Metro Streetcar system, inaugurated in November 2004 originally as the River Rail Streetcar and rebranded in 2015, operates over a 3.4-mile stretch connecting Little Rock with North Little Rock. Designed primarily for tourists and residents of downtown areas, this service has stimulated considerable capital investments, increased sales and property tax revenues, expanded downtown residency, and attracted more visitors according to an economic analysis conducted in 2012.
River Cities Travel Center
The River Cities Travel Center (RCTC), which opened on August 28, 2000 at a cost of $4 million, functions as Rock Region Metro’s main downtown transfer station and customer service facility. Positioned between Rock Street, Capitol Avenue, Cumberland Street, and Fourth Street, RCTC accommodates 22 fixed bus routes plus all four express routes as of January 2016. In 2021, proposals were introduced to enlarge RCTC through transit-oriented development plans aimed at leveraging its prime downtown location. Furthermore, five fixed routes (#3, #5, #8, #9, and #22) intersect at Midtown Avenue near Target to facilitate efficient transfers within west-central Little Rock.
Microtransit
Rock Region METRO provides an on-demand ride-hailing option via the Via App, branded as Metro Connect Rock Region. Initially introduced in 2020 with a pilot area in John Barrow, this service expanded to Conway in October 2022, marking the introduction of contemporary public transit there. In 2024, the service further grew to include Sherwood. At present, Metro Connect covers six zones throughout Little Rock, North Little Rock, Sherwood, and Conway.
Current Fleet
The entire bus fleet consists of vehicles produced by Gillig Corporation, specifically utilizing the Low Floor design.
Bus
| Vehicle Numbers | Year | Details
|
|---|---|---|
| 2101-2107; 2109 | 2001 | 35FT |
| 2301-2309 | 2003 | 35FT |
| 2401-2407 | 2004 | 29FT |
| 2701-2706 | 2007 | Primarily 35FT; unit 2706 is 40FT |
| 2801-2810 | 2008 | 40FT |
| 2901-2907 | 2009 | Combination of 40FT and 35FT |
| 1001-1004 | 2010 | 40FT |
Paratransit
All paratransit vehicles are manufactured by ElDorado National.
| Vehicle Numbers | Model | Year | Details
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 2851-2857 | Aero Elite | 2008 | Chevrolet C4500 Cutaway chassis |
| 2954-2965 | Aero Elite | 2008-2009 | Chevrolet C5500 and Jayco Cutaway chassis |
| 1251-1252 | Aero Tech | 2012 | Chevrolet G4500 Express Van Cutaway |
Rail
The rail vehicles are Replica Birney models constructed by Gomaco Trolley Company.
| Vehicle Numbers | Year | Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| 408 | 2002 | |
| 409-410 | 2003 | |
| 411-412 | 2006 |
Future
Rock Region Metro is actively involved in MOVE Central Arkansas, a comprehensive long-term transportation strategy for the region. Planned enhancements emphasize more frequent service, expanded reach into peripheral neighborhoods, introduction of Sunday operations on all routes, and upgraded amenities at bus stops.
Studies regarding Metro Streetcar growth suggest extending lines within North Little Rock and Little Rock. Targeted expansions aim to connect significant destinations such as the Arkansas State Capitol, Clinton National Airport, and key corridors along Main Street in downtown and Mid-City areas.
Fixed route ridership
The ridership figures presented pertain exclusively to fixed-route services and do not include demand-response operations.