September

The following actions were taken during the RTA’s Board of Directors monthly meeting on Thursday, September 28, 2006:

7-Day Pass Usage on the Rise

Board members reviewed a new report that showed a steady increase in 7-Day Pass usage. Since its creation in April, the pass has enjoyed strong support. The most recent data for August shows onboard sales reaching 1,010, that’s nearly 20 percent higher than in July. The pass was used on average 499 times per day, which is 17 percent higher than in July.

Ridership Continues to Climb

Board members received new data that shows RTA ridership on the rise. In August, the Agency logged roughly 600,000 riders, which is a 4.8 percent increase from a year ago. Directly operated routes grew as high as 29 percent. CommuterLink buses remained strong with one route, Route 206, growing nearly 60 percent compared to this time last year. The number of people using Dial-A-Ride increased 15 percent.

More Buses Coming to Temecula

Board members approved a resolution to purchase four 26-passenger vehicles to keep pace with the growing ridership on several routes. The new vehicles are expected to join routes 23 and 24, which travel in Temecula and Murrieta. In a similar move, board members approved the purchase of three service vehicles that will carry tools and equipment needed to maintain the Agency’s bus stops.

Solar Energy to Save Project Cost, Bus Security System Upgraded

The Board of Directors agreed to amend an agreement with Siemens VDO to change its proposed Automated Information Systems Signs (ATIS) from hard-wired to solar --- more --- powered. The action is part of a planned project that will provide passengers up-to-the-minute bus arrival and departure information from digital information signs at bus stops. The move to solar energy will save the Agency installation costs and eliminate ongoing utility costs of roughly $9,100 annually. The amended contract also contains an upgraded bus security system.

Award Goes to Psomas for Corona Transit Center

Board members agreed to award a contract to Psomas for the architectural engineering and construction management services for the proposed Corona Transit Center. The Agency’s 2.1-acre site off Grand Blvd. is earmarked for as many as nine bus bays, a pedestrian plaza of shelters, benches, and a parking lot capable of handling about 100 vehicles.

The next board meeting will be held on Thursday, October 28 at 2 p.m. For more information, contact: Bradley Weaver, Communications Specialist (951) 565-5172 bweaver@riversidetransit.com