April 2003

RTA Approves Cooperative Service Agreement with Omnitrans

The RTA Board of Directors approved a cooperative service agreement between RTA and Omnitrans. The partnership allows each agency to operate and fund its own inter-county route. Omnitrans will operate Route 100, while RTA will operate Route 204, a new commuter route. Additionally, the Memorandum of Understanding allows RTA to continue operation of Routes 21, 25, 36, and 49.

RTA’s Route 204 is a new inter-county commuter route that originates in downtown Riverside and travels to the Montclair Transit Center. Omnitrans’ Route 100 travels between Riverside’s Downtown Terminal, stopping in downtown San Bernardino and continuing to the Montclair Transit Center.

Pete Benavidez Named RTA’s Unique Rider of the Quarter

Peter Benavidez, CEO of Blindness Support Services, received recognition from the RTA Board on April 24th when he was named RTA’s Unique Rider of the Quarter. In addition to helping the visually impaired learn to use public transportation, Peter has ridden the bus himself for 23 years. As CEO of Blindness Support Services, Peter and his staff work closely with RTA teaching those who are visually impaired how to use the bus system.

RTA Shuttle Service No Longer Needed at La Sierra Metrolink Station

With construction complete on 250 new parking spaces at the La Sierra Metrolink station, RTA’s shuttle service is no longer needed. The Riverside County Transportation Commission originally contracted with RTA in November 2000 to provide shuttle service, due to lack of adequate parking at the station. The contract was to continue through June 2003. However, with parking upgrades completing completed earlier than expected, the shuttle service is no longer needed.

The RTA Board has agreed to amend the RCTC contract and cease shuttle service on April 30, 2003.

Board Approves Change in RTA Military Leave Policy

In light of reservists in the Armed Forces being called to duty in recent months, the RTA Board has approved a revised military leave policy. Under the new policy, RTA will provide full compensation for the first thirty days of active duty military leave, waiving the requirement for more than one year’s seniority. The Agency will also continue medical, dental and vision insurance at the Agency’s current level of contribution for the twenty-four month period following the date ordered to active duty. Eligible employees are entitled to reinstatement and to receive restoration of original hire and benefit date, salary step, and vacation accrual rate.

RTA Board Approves Talks of Possible Relocation of Downtown Terminal

The Board has approved RTA staff to continue discussions with Riverside’s Redevelopment Agency (RDA) on future plans for the possible relocation of the Riverside Downtown Transit Terminal. In February, the RTA, RDA, Redevelopment Agency approached both RTA and the Riverside County Transportation Commission began discussing with a proposal to develop 6.5-acres of land, located on Howard Street, between 12th and 14th. The land would be used as a transit terminal and parking for the adjacent Metrolink Rail Station. As directed by the RTA Board, CEO Larry Rubio will continue discussions with the RDAgency on future plans for relocating the terminal.

Economist Dr. Husing Presents Analysis of Riverside County’s Economy

Supplementing a presentation that compared RTA with the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, economist Dr. Husing gave an analysis of Riverside County’s economy.

In his presentation, Dr. Husing highlighted the reasons why Riverside County has prospered, while other regions have suffered. The County’s population increase, surge in new home developments and growth in taxable retail sales all directly contribute to the region’s prosperity.

Additionally, unlike Santa Clara County, Riverside County isn’t susceptible to single sector vulnerabilities. Instead, the region relies on both the defense and film industries.

Board Moves Forward with Specialized Transit Project

In efforts to develop Measure "A" funded, specialized transportation programs, the Board approved RTA’s continued support of a collaborative project with the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC).

In January 2003, RTA joined with RCTC to conduct a demonstration project measuring the benefits of specialized transit. Results found that nineteen senior citizens and persons with disabilities, not certified under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), would have been bumped from their scheduled trips in order to make room for ADA certified customers. Rather than denying them service, RTA provided them with specialized transit in the form of taxicab transportation.

In March, RCTC authorized their staff to seek and or develop additional Measure "A" funded, specialized transit programs. RTA will actively cooperate with RCTC in their efforts to do so.

For additional information, please contact the RTA Marketing Department at (951) 565-5000 or visit us online at www.RiversideTransit.com