Reps. Calvert, Bono instrumental in securing $1.3 million federal grant
RIVERSIDE, CA — (July 30, 2007) — The Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) announced today that it will receive a $1.3 million grant to help build two transit centers and propel work on an innovative bus stop announcing system that uses GPS technology to communicate bus arrival times to passengers.
The federal grant earmarks roughly $742,500 for the Riverside Transit Center and $495,000 for the Corona Transit Center. The grant also sets aside $95,000 for the Advanced Traveller Information System, which will enhance customer service by providing bus arrival information at kiosks positioned at selected stops.
“Progress on these important projects just took a major step forward,” said RTA Chairman Frank Hall. “These funds will help RTA maintain its goal of providing amenities that this region can be proud of.”
The new transit centers are expected to include bus bays, covered plazas and park and ride areas. Because the facilities are expected to open near Metrolink stations, they will provide an added service by improving passenger connections between buses and trains. Funding for the centers, which relies largely on developer fees and federal grants, is ongoing.
Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Corona) and Mary Bono (R-Palm Springs) were instrumental in helping RTA secure the funds.
“As Riverside continues to experience unprecedented growth, it will be imperative to invest in transportation projects such as transit centers,” Calvert said. “I was pleased to help secure the funds for the Riverside and Corona Transit Centers and will continue to work with the RTA to ease transportation congestion throughout the county.”
Residents of Riverside County will directly bene•t from the services and facilities these funds will support, Bono added.
“I am pleased that working with Riverside Transit Agency and my colleague Rep. Ken Calvert, we are addressing the serious transportation issues that affect the quality of life of residents throughout this region,” Bono said.
The Riverside Transit Agency provides public transportation for Western Riverside County, operating 39 •xed routes, 5 commuter routes and 15 demand response services. RTA’s service area spans 2,500 square miles, the second-largest in the nation. For bus route and schedule information contact RTA at (800) 800-7821 or log on to our Web site at www.RiversideTransit.com. |
