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The following actions were taken during the RTA Board of Directors'monthly meeting on October 23, 2008:
Ridership Hits Record
The Riverside Transit Agency experienced a record surge in ridership during September, evidence that more people are riding the bus even as summertime gas prices continue their plunge. Board members received a report showing RTA buses recording an all-time high of 757,102 boardings in September, a 28 percent increase compared to September of last year. Ridership on CommuterLink express routes was equally remarkable with a 97 percent jump from a year ago. Dial-A-Ride boardings skyrocketed 31 percent.
National Award on Display
At the meeting, Board members got a closer look at RTA's latest award, which recognized the Agency as one of the Ten Best Transit Systems to Work For. RTA was among 200 transit systems in the United States and Canada invited to participate in the contest. RTA staff and Board members recently received the award at the American Public Transportation Association's annual conference in San Diego.
Routes Spared from Service Reductions
Due to growing ridership, routes 18, 18A, 20, 29 and 32 will not be reduced as originally proposed. Board members authorized service reductions to underperforming routes 3, 17, 33, 36 and 206; service maintenance to routes 8, 12, 22, 23, 27, 41, 42, 74, 79 and 202; and the suspension of Route 39. The action follows a series of public hearings during the summer that solicited comment on proposed changes to these routes. The service changes take effect Jan. 11, 2009.
Board Meetings to be Held at More Spacious County Building
Beginning in January 2009, the RTA Board of Directors will hold its monthly meetings at the more spacious County of Riverside Board of Supervisors Conference Room. The move provides additional meeting space for the Board which is expected to grow with the addition of members from the newly incorporated cities of Menifee and Wildomar.
The next Board meeting will be held on Thursday, November 20 at 2 p.m.
For more information, contact:
Bradley Weaver, Marketing Manager (951) 565-5172
bweaver@riversidetransit.com |
