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The following actions were taken during the RTA’s Board of Directors monthly meeting on Thursday, January 24, 2008:
BRT Concept Takes Step Forward
Board members authorized the purchase of 25 vehicles for express bus or Bus Rapid Transit service in Riverside County. The vote, which is contingent on approval by the Riverside County Transportation Commission, calls for the purchase of the 40-foot compressed natural gas buses using state funding and Proposition 1B, a transportation bond approved by voters in 2006. The concept of Bus Rapid Transit, or BRT, along the Magnolia Corridor has been endorsed by a 2003 Berkeley study and RTA's recently completed Comprehensive Operational Analysis. The express bus system includes a system of frequent, fast-moving buses that utilize the latest in technology for clean, efficient and safe express bus service. Such a system could be implemented by spring 2009.
RTA Testing New Technology on Bus
Board members were informed of a new pilot program that could reduce the Agency's fuel consumption and improve bus engine performance. The Agency has installed electric radiator fans in a bus to determine how well it performs compared to its counterparts that use hydraulic radiator fans. Such technology has proven to reduce bus fuel consumption and maintenance costs and increase the reliability of engine cooling systems. If successful, RTA may expand the technology to more vehicles.
Agency to Enter Fare Study
Board members approved an agreement with Transportation Management & Design to conduct a study of the Agency's fare policy. The last such study resulted in the Agency's first fare modification in five years. The study is expected to be completed by spring.
Ridership Continues to Climb
Board members received new data showing ridership on the rise. Compared to this time last year, CommuterLink and Dial-A-Ride ridership has climbed 17 percent and 23 percent, respectively. The latest overall ridership figures show a 3.15 percent increase.
Agency Recognizes Buster and Hall
The Agency presented plaques to County Supervisor Bob Buster and Norco Mayor Frank Hall for their leadership and service on the RTA Board.
Agency to Purchase Additional Dial-A-Ride Vehicles
Board members authorized an agreement with Creative Bus for the purchase of 21 new vehicles for the Agency's Dial-A-Ride program. The 12-passenger vehicles are suitable for the transportation of disabled passengers and can accommodate wheelchairs. The authorization rescinds a pending order with another vendor.
RTA to Apply for New Program for Employee Retiree Benefits
Board members authorized RTA to apply for the California Employers Retiree Benefit Trust Program for the management of funds reserved for retiree medical benefits. The action is linked to requirements by the Government Accounting Standards Board, which mandates RTA and other public agencies to determine and recognize the future cost of retiree benefits and include them in financial statements. The trust program would provide RTA with a cost-effective means of protecting and managing the funds to be used for this specific liability.
The next Board meeting will be held on Thursday, February 28 at 2 p.m.
For more information, contact:
Bradley Weaver, Marketing Manager (951) 565-5172
bweaver@riversidetransit.com |
