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The following actions were taken during the RTA’s Board of Directors monthly meeting on Thursday, April 24, 2008:
Funding for Clean-Fuel Projects Gets Support
Board members voted to support a bill that would make permanent a special fund for clean-fuel projects. The Clean Fuels Fund Program, launched in 1988, collects $1 from every registered vehicle at the time of license renewal. The program has paid for a number clean-fuel projects in the area, including RTA’s compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station in Riverside and a soon-to-open CNG facility in Temecula, which will fuel RTA's fleet in the southern part of the county. This program is set to expire on January 1, 2010. But the bill that Board members are supporting, SB 1646, would make the program permanent.
Board Supports Extension of Tax Credit
Board members supported the proposed extension of tax credit on alternative fuels contained in the Food and Energy Act of 2007, which could bring an additional $1.4 million to the Agency if the extension is granted. The temporary federal excise tax credit was established as an incentive for transit agencies to expand the use of alternative fuels, such as the natural gas that powers RTA's bus fleet. RTA is expected to collect $3.3 million during the life of the program, which is set to expire in September of 2009. A proposed extension of the program in the bill, which is supported by the Board, and is now working its way through Congress would push the end date to December 31, 2010, and provide the Agency with an additional $1.4 million.
Dial-A-Ride Vehicles Getting New Look
Board members approved a revised proposal to modify the paint scheme on Dial-A-Ride vehicles that would 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 revised designs will include a new paint scheme; 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. The designs will be placed on new vehicles and it will take roughly three years to transition the entire fleet.
Board Approves Service Upgrades
Board members approved a list of service enhancements that will take effect May 11. Minor route upgrades and schedule modifications will affect 16 routes, resulting in better connections to Metrolink stations and other routes, expanded service hours and upgraded on-time performance. A detailed list of changes can be found at RTA's website and inside the new summer Ride Guide debuting on buses next week.
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 roughly 18 percent and 20 percent, respectively.
Contract Awarded to Trend Offset Printing
Board members approved a one-year contract with Trend Offset Printing for the production of the Agency's Ride Guide booklet and system map. The Ride Guide provides customers with detailed information about the Agency’s various transit services, including data on where to purchase bus passes, and maps and timetables for each route. The guide is published three times a year. The contract includes two, one-year extensions.
The next Board meeting will be held on Thursday, May 22 at 2 p.m.
For more information, contact:
Bradley Weaver, Marketing Manager (951) 565-5172
bweaver@riversidetransit.com |
