June

The following actions were taken during the RTA’s Board of Directors monthly meeting on Thursday, June 22, 2006:

Board Adopts 2007 Budget, Short Range Transit Plan

Board members approved the Agency’s Short Range Transit Plan and budget for Fiscal Year 2007. The $43.6 million operating budget reflects a 7 percent increase
from the current fiscal year. The budget was developed to support the Agency’s goals of increased ridership, providing excellent customer service and cost-containment through improved efficiencies. The Short Range Transit Plan shows a 1 percent decrease in revenue service hours and a 3 percent decrease in revenue service miles compared to the current fiscal year, which are primarily due to the realignment and reduction of service on unproductive routes.

Seven Day Pass is a Success

RTA’s Board of Directors reviewed a report on the 7-Day Pass, which debuted in April. On average, 451 passengers use the 7-Day Pass each day and the pass currently makes up 10 percent of all passes used. The pass costs $12 and is available on buses, at pass outlets and through the RTA Web site. RTA’s 1- and 31-Day passes have also increased in usage compared to this time last year, according to the report.

RTA Ridership on Upswing

More than one year after RTA raised fares for the first time in five years, ridership aboard its buses has increased due to higher gas prices and improved passenger service, according to a report to board members. RTA’s ridership as a whole is up nearly 2 percent compared to this time last year. More specifically, Dial-A-Ride service is up 12 percent, contracted fixed routes are up 11 percent and CommuterLink service is up a whopping 45 percent. Directly operated routes remained about the same.

RTA to Upgrade Bus Fleet for Safety

This summer, RTA will improve passenger safety by installing special shields on the right rear wheels of its larger vehicles. Board members approved the purchase of the safety guards for 114 buses. The safety guards are designed to reduce injuries by pushing pedestrians and bicyclists from the path of curbside rear wheels. RTA joins a growing number of transit agencies across the nation --- from Chicago to Los Angeles to Baltimore --- that have already equipped their buses with the devices.

OCTA Will Continue to Pay 30 Percent of Operating Costs for Route 149

Board members renewed a one-year agreement between RTA and the Orange County Transportation Authority in which OCTA will continue to pay 30 percent of Route 149’s operating costs for miles travelled within Orange County. The RTA route is a commuter express service that travels between downtown Riverside and the Mall of Orange. Thirty percent of the route is within Orange County.

The next board meeting will be held on Thursday, July 20 at 2 p.m.

For more information, contact: Bradley Weaver, Communications Specialist (951) 565-5172
bweaver@riversidetransit.com