July 2004

The following actions were taken by the RTA Board of Directors at their monthly meeting on Thursday, July 22, 2004

Agency strengthens working relationship with developers

Developers and local jurisdictions’ staff often do not have resources available to them in designing the physical environment that protects and promotes transit use. To assist these groups in integrating transit into new development, RTA has greatly accelerated its development and consultation activities. Through a partnership with local planners, developers and decision-makers to incorporate transit-friendly amenities before they submit plans for construction, the Agency’s planning department produced and made available RTA’s Design Guidelines.

The Guidelines is a valuable resource before projects reach their final planning stages. It provides planning and design information including proper placement and design of bus turnouts, pedestrian access to bus stops, discussion on new transit centers, planning for a safe and comfortable bus stop environment, incorporating transit-friendly practices on adjoining properties, and an overview of physical requirements required by RTA buses. The Guidelines is a useful tool for consistent and fair applications of good transit design and leads to greater cooperation between developers, local governments, school districts, and RTA to meet the mobility changes ahead. Copies will be distributed to local jurisdictions including school districts, they will also be available through the Agency’s planning department, or for download at www.RiversideTransit.com

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Goal assists minority firms

Each year the Agency establishes an annual Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation goal. The purpose of the goal is to increase participation in federally assisted contracts by small, socially and economically disadvantaged business enterprises. The participation goal for FY 2004-05 is set at 8.5 percent. RTA actively seeks disadvantaged businesses to participate in contract work. Projects DBE firms will be asked to participate with this year include bus stop amenities, office furniture, marketing services, and information technology system upgrades.

State farebox recovery requirements exceeded while maintaining budget

After a tough year of aggressive management and implementation of detailed cost saving measures the Agency exceeded the state required farebox recovery ratio of 17.40 percent. The Agency achieved a farebox recovery ratio of 18.02 percent and was under budget, while servicing record ridership as a result of increased demand for RTA services.

The transit industry is facing many budget and operating hurdles that make meeting farebox recovery ratios and budget targets difficult. Increasing workers’ compensation rates, rising fuel and utility costs, rising heath care costs, and the increased demand and costs for paratransit services have troubled many transit operators throughout the state. These increased costs require transit operators to implement aggressive cost saving tactics including reduction of services. RTA was able to increase service levels while absorbing rising costs associated with industry trends, maintaining ADA compliance and increased service demand and growth. Reacting to budgetary challenges, cost reductions were achieved through improved efficiencies and continued refinement of bus service.

The next Board meeting is Thursday, September 23, 2004 at 2 p.m.

For more information contact: Jim Kneepkens, Director of Marketing (951) 565-5170 jkneepkens@riversidetransit.com