Rutherford County Transit

07/28/2026

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Rutherford County until 8:00 PM. Storms may produce 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.

UPDATE: Event has been extended until 8:00 PM.
The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Rutherford County until 7:15 PM. Storms may produce 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.

07/25/2026

Free Rides to Isothermal Community College.

Thanks to an $800,000 NCDOT grant, students in Rutherford and Polk counties can ride to ICC at no cost. Learn more at RideToICC.com.

07/21/2026

North Carolina Department of Transportation awards Rutherford County Transit and Polk County NC- Government Transit $800,000 to provide rides to Isothermal Community College. For more information go to ridetoICC.com

07/16/2026

Need a ride to this event? We’ve got you covered. Just call to schedule your ride at 828-287-6339.

07/15/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rutherford County Transit and Polk County Transit Awarded $800,000 Grant for Free Transportation to Isothermal Community College

SPINDALE, N.C. — Rutherford County Transit and Polk County Transit have been awarded an $800,000 NCDOT ConCPT grant to launch the College Commute Initiative, a free transportation program that will help residents travel to Isothermal Community College for classes, job training, clinicals, and other educational opportunities.

The program will operate from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, and will provide free transportation from student’s homes to Isothermal Community College campuses in Spindale and Columbus. Rutherford County Transit and Polk County Transit will work together to help students in both counties reach the campus and program that best fits their educational goals. If needed, the grant may also be used to develop a shuttle service between the two campuses.

The goal of the College Commute Initiative is to remove transportation barriers so more residents can gain the skills needed for higher-paying jobs and long-term career success. "This grant is about creating opportunities for our residents," said Kerry Giles, Director of Rutherford County Transit. "No one should miss out on education or career training because they do not have a ride. This partnership will help people gain new skills, earn better wages, and improve their quality of life."

Isothermal Community College will help participants explore career paths that match their interests and goals. Programs may include EMT training, welding, truck driving, cosmetology, dental hygiene, and many other workforce training and degree programs.

"At Isothermal Community College, we believe everyone deserves the chance to succeed," said Dr. Margaret Annunziata, President of Isothermal Community College. "This program removes one of the biggest challenges students face, getting to class. Through the Powers Promise program, many students can already attend college tuition-free. Now, transportation will be free as well. Together, these programs help ensure that all students have a fair opportunity to complete their education and build a successful future."

In addition to transportation to and from campus, the program may also provide rides to clinical sites, internships, and other required training locations. Students who complete a program and find employment may receive a free 60-day transportation pass to help them get to work as they begin their new careers.

The College Commute Initiative will also introduce a new mobile app that allows students to schedule, change, and manage their rides. Vehicles used in the program will have Wi-Fi so students can study, complete assignments, or stay connected while traveling.

"Transportation is often one of the biggest barriers for people trying to improve their lives through education and training," said Robin Elliott, Director of Human Services, Polk County NC- Government. "This partnership will help more residents access the training they need to find good jobs and support their families."

The College Commute Initiative is a partnership between Rutherford County Transit, Polk County Transit, Isothermal Community College, and NCDOT. The program is designed to help more residents gain the skills needed for good-paying jobs while strengthening the local workforce.

"The College Commute Initiative shows how transportation and education can work together to create opportunities for people," said Brennon Fuqua, Director of North Carolina Department of Transportation Integrated Mobility Division. "This partnership between public transit and Isothermal Community College could become a model for North Carolina. If successful, similar programs could help students and job seekers in all 100 counties access education, workforce training, and better career opportunities."

For more information and frequently asked questions, go to www.RidetoICC.com. Residents interested in scheduling a ride to Isothermal Community College may contact:
• Rutherford County Transit: 828-287-6339
• Polk County Transit: 828-894-8203

For More Information, Contact:
Kerry Giles, Director
Rutherford County Transit
828-288-4505 or [email protected]
RidetoICC.com

Rutherford County Transit drives citizens towards possibilities to meet their transportation needs.

07/07/2026

Position Available: Part Time Transit Assistant
Rutherford County Transit is accepting applications for a Part Time Transit Assistant. This position works 19 hours per week, Monday – Thursday from 2-5 pm, and all day on Friday.

Duties include answering phones, scheduling passenger trips, updating daily schedules, communicating with drivers by two-way radio, maintaining passenger records, providing excellent customer service, and serving as a backup transit driver. Applicants should have good communication, computer, and organizational skills and be comfortable working with older adults, individuals with disabilities, and the public.

A high school diploma, office or administrative experience, and a valid North Carolina driver's license are required. Pay is $16.55 per hour.

Apply online at www.rutherfordcountync.gov or in person at Rutherford County Human Resources, 289 N. Main Street, Rutherfordton, NC. Pre employment drug screening, background check, and motor vehicle record check are required. EOE. Open until filled.

06/01/2026

We are excited to announce that Rutherford County Transit was selected as 2026 TRANSIT SYSTEM OF THE YEAR by the NC Public Transportation Association.

Pictured below L-R: Kyle Connor (Billing & Compliance Coordinator), Commissioner Mike Benfield, Candace McDonald (Logistics Specialist), Director Kerry Giles, Bryan King (Chairman of County Commissioners), Jeff Hill (Operations Manager), Alan Toney (Vice Chairman of County Commissioners), Mary Mock-Higgins (Dispatch/Transit Assistant), Hunter Haynes - Rutherford County Commissioner, and Commissioner Donnie Haulk.

04/24/2026

Congratulations to Scott Davis for being named the 2026 DRIVER OF THE YEAR! Scott defines excellence in all areas of his job. We were happy to not only highlight him at our Annual Driver Appreciation Lunch, but Scott also got his name lettered above the passenger doors on his van along with a plaque. Pictured with Scott is Transit Director, Kerry Giles.

04/23/2026

Would you like a ride to the grocery store? Transit can pick you up at home and take you to the store or food pantry of your choice. This service is FREE. Just call 287-6339 and set up an appointment for when you’d like to go. Transit offers this service Monday-Friday from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.