Thefollowing actions were takenby the RTA Board of Directorsat their monthly meeting onFebruary 26, 2004 RTA'sChief Financial OfficerChris Gallanes presentedthe Board with a statisticalprofile of RTA's workers'compensation costs thatshows how they compare withother transit agencies andindustries in the region.Gallanes presented to theBoard a comparison betweenRTA, three transit agenciesand one construction company.Factors used in the comparisonincluded claims per 100employees, benefits paidper 100 employees and benefitspaid per claim. AlthoughRTA consistently came inat the survey average, Gallanesnoted that continuous effortshave to be made to reduceexpenses in this area. Inlight of increased workers'compensation costs, RTArecently began implementingprograms to reduce the numberof claims. A "LightDuty" programwas launched last year anda "WellnessProgram" iscurrently in the planningstages. The "LightDuty" programcalls for employees whoare off of work, due tojob related injury or illness,to perform work within theirphysician approved workrestrictions. During thetime that they are awayfrom their regular assignment,they work as Bus ServiceAmbassadors, DepartmentalSupport Assistants or ParkingLot Attendants.
DeputyDistrict Attorney Paul Fickgave the Board a presentationon preventing and fightingworkers' compensation fraud.He provided an overviewof his efforts in detectingand prosecuting fraud andgave tips on how companiescan fight it. RTA has invitedMr. Fick to come back andgive a more detailed presentationto the Agency's executivestaff.
Aftertwo public hearings andtwo months of receivingpublic comment, the Boardofficially closed publichearings to consider therealignment of Routes 36 & 41. Route36 operates as a local routebetween Highland SpringsAvenue in Banning and BeaverMedical Clinic on CaliforniaStreet in Yucaipa. Route41 is a local route thatoperates in Mead Valley,north of the city of Perris.It makes a circular journeybeginning and ending atthe Mead Valley CommunityCenter, with some tripsalong Perris Boulevard tothe Perris Wal-Mart andValley Plaza Doctor's Hospital. Followingthe cataloging of all publiccomments, RTA's planningdepartment will make a recommendationto the Board on the possiblerealignment of both routes.
Thenext Board meeting is Thursday,March 25, 2004 at 2 p.m. | 
