November

The following actions were taken during the RTA’s Board of Directors monthly meeting on Thursday, November 16, 2006:

Arlington Branch Library Patrons to Get Free Bus Rides

Board members approved a new program that would provide free bus passes to people using the Arlington Branch of the Riverside Public Library. The partnership between RTA and the Arlington Branch of the Riverside Public Library is designed to provide easy transportation to area libraries while the Arlington Branch undergoes construction for roughly eight months. Under the agreement, which begins when the library closes for construction, patrons checking out books at other libraries would receive two free bus passes --- one to get home and one to return the books. The program aims to help the library continue to provide services to the community while it is closed. It also encourages the use of public transit and introduces new riders to RTA services.

Ridership Continues to Climb

Board members received new data showing RTA ridership on the rise for the sixth straight month. In October, the Agency logged more than 641,000 riders, which is an increase of 6 percent compared to this time last year. Directly operated routes grew, on average, 4 percent compared to last year, contracted routes increased 17 percent, and the number of people using Dial-A-Ride went up 18 percent.

Financial Audit Yields Positive Results

RTA received good news from the independent accounting firm which audited the Agency’s financial statements and internal controls. The audit, which covered RTA’s fi nancial activities during Fiscal Year 2006, concluded that RTA’s accounting practices were proper and followed proper reporting procedures and the financial reporting was accurate. The audit indicated there were no disagreements with management, no material errors, no irregularities or possible illegal acts. It also determined that RTA not only met but exceeded the state’s minimum farebox ratio.

7-Day Pass Usage on Rise

Board members reviewed a new report that showed a steady increase in 7-Day Pass usage. During October, onboard sales climbed to 1,337, which is 19 percent higher than a month ago and 90 percent higher than in June. The pass was used on average 684 times per day, which is 12 percent higher than in August and 40 percent higher than in June. In addition, overall revenue from passenger fares is up 17 percent compared to a year ago.

Riverside Transit Center May Expand

Board members approved an updated proposed TUMF funding list of projects that includes an additional $2.5 million to expand the Riverside Transit Center. Plans to expand Highway 91 have prompted RTA to propose adjusting the layout of its future transit center near the Riverside Metrolink station. In an effort to avoid future freeway encroachment, RTA officials want to elongate and extend the center to the north on roughly two acres of land currently occupied by Babylon Restaurant and Life Touch Studios. The City of Riverside is in negotiations with the landowners to purchase the land, which would be transferred to RTA once the project is complete. RTA’s updated list, which extends through 2011, seeks TUMF funding for nine projects, including six transit facilities, bus rapid transit projects and automated intelligent transportation systems.