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The following actions were taken during the RTA Board of Directors'monthly meeting Thursday, June 26, 2008:
Ridership Continues to Climb
Board members received new data showing ridership continuing to increase. Leading the system in gains were CommuterLink and Dial-A-Ride services with increases of 30 percent and 23 percent, compared to the previous year.
FY 2009 Budget, SRTP Approved
Board members closed a month-long public hearing period and approved the Agency’s Short Range Transit Plan and budget for Fiscal Year 2009. The approved $55.5 million operating budget and $7.8 million capital budget were developed to support the Agency’s goals of increased ridership, providing excellent customer service and cost-containment through improved efficiencies.
Service Enhanced in Hemet and San Jacinto
In an effort to enhance service to the growing communities of San Jacinto and Hemet, RTA will expand two routes in the area: Routes 32 and 42. The Board decision will allow these improvements to take effect Aug. 18. Route 32 will be expanded to serve two additional neighborhoods as well as North Mountain and Monte Vista middle schools and San Jacinto High School. Route 42's expanded service will travel to new communities near Cottonwood and Kirby, and to the Hemet Valley Mall where passengers can connect with six other RTA routes. In addition, Route 42 will begin serving Monte Vista Middle School and San Jacinto High School.
RTA Meeting Performance Standards
In spite of record-high fuel costs, the Agency continues 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.
Public Hearing Period Opens for Proposed Route Changes
Board members approved a series of public hearings to be held during July and August to solicit comments on proposed service reductions to various bus routes. The proposed changes, which would take effect in January 2009, target routes 3, 17, 18, 18A, 20, 29, 32, 33, 36, 39 and 206. The hearings will allow members of the community to make comments on the proposed route modifications, which are expected to be presented to the Board for consideration at their September meeting.
Agency Recognizes Supervisor Ashley for Five Years of Service
The Agency recognized County Supervisor Marion Ashley for his five years of service on the RTA Board of Directors. Ashley, who represents the County of Riverside's District 5, has distinguished himself as a respected member of the group and is a member of the Budget and Finance Committee. In addition to his membership on the Board, Director Ashley and his staff have been valuable supporters and participants of the transit advocacy group Transportation NOW in the Pass Area and Moreno Valley.
New Cities Invited to Join the Board of Directors
Board members agreed to issue a formal invitation to representatives from the new cities of Wildomar and Menifee to become members of RTA's Joint Powers Agreement. The City of Wildomar will incorporate effective July 1 and the City of Menifee will incorporate effective October 1.
The next Board meeting will be held on Thursday, July 24 at 2 p.m.
For more information, contact:
Bradley Weaver, Marketing Manager (951) 565-5172
bweaver@riversidetransit.com |
