The Rural Transit Assistance Center (RTAC) was created in 1990 and operates under an inter-agency agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). The RTAC mission is to promote the safe and effective delivery of public transportation in rural areas and more efficiently use public and private resources.

RTAC fulfills its mission through providing the Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) for the State of Illinois. Administered by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), an RTAP exists in each state to provide training, technical assistance and research, and to promote public and specialized transportation in rural areas.

Illinois Rural Transit Assistance Center's Annual Roadeo
Drivers test their individual limits. The Roadeo is held at the Illinois State fairgrounds in Springfield. Contestants participate in four events: written test, wheelchair securement, pre-trip inspection and driving. Although not everyone wins a trophy or plaque, each contestant does receive a t-shirt and lunch. The winner of each event is presented with a plaque. The first, second and third overall winner is presented with a trophy and a cash award. The first place winner also receives an all expense paid trip to participate in the National Roadeo that is sponsored by the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA). Each year the National Roadeo is held at a different locale, such as Seattle, Philadelphia, Austin, St Louis, Reno, and New Orleans.

2006 overall winner Carl VanNess (center), Edward Heflin, RTAC manager, and Jacqueline Waters, RTAC transit specialist