|
The following actions were taken during the RTA’s Board of Directors monthly meeting on Thursday, February 28, 2008:
Agency Awards Contract to Transportation Concepts
Board members approved a five-year contract with Transportation Concepts for fixed-route operation services, effective July 1. Currently, the Agency employs two firms for contracted fixed-route services and both agreements are expiring at the end of the fiscal year. The award of a single contract to one provider will be more cost-effective for the Agency and was suggested by a recent in-depth study of the Agency's operations. Transportation Concepts will operate from Riverside and Temecula facilities, providing contracted services on 26, or roughly half, of RTA's fixed-routes, including CommuterLink and trolley routes.
RTA Supports Fee to Fund Transportation Projects
Board members voted to support a bill that would establish a fee for articles imported into or exported from the United States. Funds from this fee would be disbursed as grants to pay for transportation projects that reduce the effects of increased freight traffic, e.g., truck-only lanes and grade separations. The approved resolution authorizes the RTA Board of Directors to send letters to federal lawmakers, municipalities and public transit advocacy groups urging them to support the bill, which is called HR 5102. If passed, the bill has the potential to enhance RTA's efficiency — and transportation in the region as a whole — by decreasing traffic congestion caused by freight transportation. The bill is authored by Republican Congressman Ken Calvert, who represents western Riverside County, and Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL).
Update Shows TUMF Funding Future Transit Centers
Board members approved an update for RTA's list projects eligible for Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee, or TUMF, funding between fiscal years 2008 and 2012. The projects include transit centers in the cities of Corona, Hemet, Moreno Valley, Perris, Riverside and Temecula, as well as bus-stop enhancements and an automatic bus arrival and departure announcing system for passengers. The total cost of those projects over the five-year period is expected to be $47 million, of which $25 million would be paid for through TUMF, which is collected from developers to pay for transportation projects. The updated list reflects a conservative approach to TUMF funding based on current economic conditions.
Agency Recognizes Chairman Kessler for Decade of Service
The Agency recognized Chairman Frank Kessler for his 10 years of service to RTA. Kessler, who is also mayor pro-tem for the City of Canyon Lake, is actively involved in RTA's lobbying efforts and his visits to Washington D.C. last year helped secure funding for transit centers in Riverside and Corona. In addition, Kessler recently unveiled a special opportunity for RTA to qualify for a reimbursement of excise tax funds for its use of CNG fuel.
Ridership Continues to Climb
Board members received new data showing ridership continuing to rise. Compared to this time last year, CommuterLink and Dial-A-Ride ridership has climbed 16 percent and 23 percent, respectively. The latest figures reflect a nearly 4 percent increase systemwide.
Intelligent Transportation System Demonstrated
Board members got a closer look at RTA's latest campaign to enhance bus travel. A presentation of the Intelligent Transportation System showed how customers will benefit from computerized panels at major stops that display real-time bus departure information. In addition, customers can browse the Internet to view real-time bus locations and schedule information. Much of that information is available on mobile phones with Internet capability. The technology will also include automatic passenger counters on buses and vehicle-tracking technology that enables RTA dispatchers to monitor buses as they travel through the region.
Agency Remains in Compliance With Performance Standards
New information shows the Agency continuing to meet or exceed all required performance standards identified in the Productivity Improvement Program, or PIP. The program requires the tracking over time of key performance indicators related to revenues, expenses and service measures. The program is designed to help the agency maintain effective and efficient service by identifying areas for upgrades or modifications.
The next Board meeting will be held on Thursday, March 27 at 2 p.m.
For more information, contact:
Bradley Weaver, Marketing Manager (951) 565-5172
bweaver@riversidetransit.com |
