July 2005

The following actions were taken by the RTA Board of Directors at their monthly meeting on Thursday, July 28, 2005:

Inland Economist Points to RTA’s Escalating Ridership

Inland economist Dr. John Husing presented information to board members that debunked speculation over fl at ridership. Unlike many transportation agencies statewide and across the nation, RTA’s ridership has continued to grow. Husing pointed to the fact that RTA added 761,000 passenger trips between 2001 and 2004, and bus transit is still relatively inexpensive compared to other forms of transportation. He also mentioned that riding the bus costs 43 percent less per passenger trip than commuter rail. RTA’s operational costs have also increased, largely because of Dial-A-Ride services, labor costs and rising fuel and lubricant costs. As funding becomes more scarce, Husing said transportation leaders will face important policy questions over how to provide costeffective bus service to low-income and Dial-A-Ride passengers and customers who live in rural areas. When Husing compared RTA to seven similar bus agencies statewide, RTA was third highest when it came to cost per passenger, lowest in cost per revenue mile and second to lowest in cost per revenue hour. At the presentation’s conclusion, RTA Chair Jim Ayres emphasized the importance of RTA and Riverside County Transportation Commission working together to provide an effective, user-friendly transportation system for the county’s growing number of residents.

Agency Slashes Workers Compensation Claims

RTA officials held a presentation to show board members the recent savings from decreased Workers Compensation costs during Fiscal Year 2005. During the past fi scal year, RTA staff worked to increase employee understanding of Workers Compensation and launched a loss-prevention committee to oversee and promote safety initiatives. As a result, RTA had a 43 percent reduction in new claims and zero lost work days during Fiscal Year 2005. In fact, over a three-year period, the number of new claims at RTA has dropped from 80 to 42. The agency also slashed the number of transitional duty workdays in which employees injured on the job are assigned to other duties. The number of transitional duty workdays dropped from 1,006 in Fiscal Year 2004 to 325 in Fiscal Year 2005. Board Chair Jim Ayres applauded the accomplishment, saying such a feat is rare in any business and personally congratulated RTA staff for their hard work.

Commuters Praise Wireless Internet, Satellite TV

The board also received the results of a new survey that showed overwhelming passenger satisfaction with the new high-tech amenities aboard Route 202, a CommuterLink route between Temecula and Oceanside. The survey indicated that satisfaction was very good to excellent for both satellite TV and wireless Internet. Currently 23 percent of riders use the wireless Internet service, while 86 percent watch the satellite TV sometimes, often or all the time. All passengers who took the survey said they will continue to ride as long as the route meets their needs.

Board OKs Public Hearing for Proposed Changes to No-Show Policy

Board members voted to hold a public hearing August 1 to receive public input on the proposed changes to ADA Dial-A-Ride Services Cancellation and No-Show Policy. RTA’s new proposal would assign penalty points to Dial-A-Ride passengers who chronically cancel appointments with limited notice or repeatedly fail to show up for scheduled rides. The changes are designed to simplify the current policy and provide more effi cient operations.

New Chief Operating Officer Introduced

Board members were introduced to Thomas Franklin, the agency’s new Chief Operating Offi cer who will oversee the operations of RTA’s bus fl eet and be responsible for the administrative functions of the Operations Department. Franklin previously worked at the Orange County Transportation Authority as its Manager of Financial Planning, Manager of Fixed Route Operations and fi nally as Manager of Bus Transportation.

Board Members Move Forward on Holiday Bus Service

Trustees authorized RTA staff to work with cities of Canyon Lake, Lake Elsinore, Moreno Valley, Murrieta, Norco, Perris, Sunnyslope/Glen Avon and Sun City to develop bus routes and operate a service to and from the annual Festival of Lights Downtown Aglow on the four Saturdays following Thanksgiving.

The next board meeting will be held on Thursday, September 22 at 2 p.m. For more information, contact: Bradley Weaver, Communications Specialist (951) 565-5172 bweaver@riversidetransit.com