[10] The need for creating RVTD arose when its predecessor, a private company named Mount Ashland Stage Lines, went bankrupt and ceased operating in 1974 after having served the Rogue Valley since 1965.

[10] The district's board scaled back the original plans by about 35 percent before finally gaining voter approval of operations funding.

The service that was inaugurated in July 1977, initially operating under the name, Rogue Rapids Transit, comprised just three buses serving six routes.

[10] Initial ridership on the fledgling system was better than expected, prompting the city of Medford to agree to purchase three vans for RVTD's use, which were used for a new shuttle service in the downtown area starting in November 1977.

Roughly 85% of the current transit bus fleet is powered by cleaner-burning compressed natural gas (abbreviated CNG) engines.

[16] Today RVTD has phased out the Blue Bird CNG vehicles in favor of the 35 foot natural gas coach manufactured by Gillig and New Flyer Industries.

[17][18] In addition to their natural gas buses, the Rogue Valley Transportation District also operates diesel transit coaches in efforts to diversify their fuel usage.

This has several key advantages including switching over to primarily diesel usage in the event of a natural gas price hike or vice versa.

Previously in district history the entire fleet consisted of the New Look with a blue, yellow, and white paint scheme but the coaches have since been phased out.

[19] In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 all RVTD buses feature some form of wheelchair ramp or lift as well as securement methods for the chairs themselves.

Among these techniques are a group bus pass program, bicycle and pedestrian encouragement and education activities, carpool matching, transit marketing, and outreach to local government jurisdictions.