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The following actions were taken during the RTA’s Board of Directors monthly meeting on Thursday, December 20, 2007:
Canyon Lake's Frank Kessler Elected as New Board Chairman
Board members voted Canyon Lake's Mayor Pro-Tem Frank Kessler to become RTA's new Board Chairman. Kessler, who has served on the RTA board since 2001, is joined by new First-Vice Chairman Karen Spiegel of Corona and new Second-Vice Chairman Jeff Comerchero of Temecula. As chairman, Kessler will be responsible for leading the RTA Board in setting policy, guiding Agency priorities, conducting the Agency’s monthly Board meetings and representing RTA during public events. Kessler replaces Norco Mayor Pro-Tem Frank Hall, who served as chairman for the appointed term of 12 months.
Agency Applauds Haley, Spiegel for Leadership
Board members presented a plaque to Eric Haley for his retirement from the Riverside County Transportation Commission and thanked him for his years of service to public transportation in Riverside County, which included being first chairman of RTA when service began in 1977. The Agency also presented Corona City Councilmember Karen Spiegel with a plaque in honor of her five years of service on the RTA Board.
Riders on New CommuterLink Route 210 to Ride for Free
Board members approved free bus rides to passengers on RTA's newest express route, the CommuterLink 210, through Feb. 1. The new service begins Jan. 14 with service from Banning, Beaumont and Calimesa areas to Moreno Valley and Riverside destinations, including
the Marketplace Metrolink Station.
RTA to Buy Vehicles for Growing CommuterLink fleet
Plans to expand RTA's thriving CommuterLink service gained momentum Thursday as Board members approved RTA's request to buy eight 26-passenger vehicles that would be reserved for two new CommuterLink routes expected to debut next year. CommuterLink routes 212 and 214 will begin service next July and September, respectively, providing service from San Jacinto and Hemet to Riverside and Escondido, respectively.
Dial-A-Ride Vehicles Get Makeover
Board members approved a recommendation to modify paint schemes on Dial-A-Ride vehicles that will better differentiate them from fixed-route vehicles. Currently, the exteriors of both fixed-route and Dial-A-Ride vehicles are identical in appearance, which has caused some confusion among customers. The new designs will incorporate the words "Dial-A-Ride" on the sides, front and rear of the vehicles, as well as the telephone number for the popular service.
RTA to Lobby for Funds to Build Transit Centers
Board members authorized RTA staff to lobby federal lawmakers for $17 million for the Riverside, Corona and Temecula transit centers and bus stop upgrades. Matching funds for the projects are expected to come from the Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF). Requests earlier this year resulted in federal appropriations of $700,000 for the Riverside and Corona transit centers.
CNG Fuel Providing Savings
Board members were informed of new data showing the Agency saved $2.1 million last year by using clean-burning compressed natural gas for its fleet instead of diesel fuel. Since 2000, the Agency has used CNG for its entire fleet of 40-foot buses and was among the first in the nation to make the switch. The savings is linked to the lower price of CNG fuel compared to diesel fuel.
Route Modifications to Help Passengers at Transit Center
Board members approved a plan to beef up bus service at the North Main Corona Metrolink Station that will accommodate displaced passengers affected by construction of the station's new parking structure. According to the plan, RTA will provide buses to pick up passengers parking at an alternative parking lot near the facility. Construction is expected to begin in January and last 18 months.
Agency Expects to Exceed Goal for Farebox Recovery
Board members received an update on RTA's projected farebox recovery ratio for Fiscal Year 2008. The current projected ratio forecast is 18.56 percent, which exceeds the state's required farebox recovery ratio by .90 percent. The farebox recovery ratio is the percentage of operating costs obtained through passenger fares.
The next Board meeting will be held on Thursday, January 24 at 2 p.m.
For more information, contact:
Bradley Weaver, Marketing Manager (951) 565-5172
bweaver@riversidetransit.com |
