RTA to Host Public Meetings for Proposed Route Changes

The following was submitted for publication on behalf of RTA:

The Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) wants to know what you think.

Beginning next week, RTA will host a series of community meetings to solicit feedback on a spectrum of proposed service changes. Comments from the meetings, which begin August 18 and end November 20, will help RTA develop its Proposed 10-Year Transit Network Plan, which will outline service enhancements for the next decade. Some of those changes could be implemented as early as 2015.

The proposals, which affect virtually every route, are designed to make RTA’s service more efficient. Some upgrades include better transfers between buses and trains, boosted service frequencies, shorter travel times, and expanded hours of operation. Much of these proposals come from RTA research into evolving travel trends and customer comments and requests.

The Proposed 10-Year Transit Network Plan requires final approval by the Agency’s Board of Directors, which is expected to vote on the item during its November meeting.

“Customer feedback is important to us,” said RTA Chairman of the Board Jeff Comerchero. “We look forward to hearing what the public has to say about these important proposals, which could shape the way we deliver service for years to come.”

RTA will hold three types of meetings: drop-in sessions, where RTA staff holds informal information and comment sessions at bus stops and colleges; open houses, which allows customers to receive formal presentations and provide comments; and a public hearing at the Board of Directors’ November meeting.

A complete list of meeting times, dates and locations can be found here. Members of the public can get more information at www.riversidetransit.com or inside onboard brochures. Comments regarding the proposals may be submitted at the meetings, by e-mail at comments@riversidetransit.com, by phone at (951) 565-5002 or standard mail to RTA at 1825 Third Street, Riverside, CA 92507. All comments are due by October 7.

Rider & College Drop-in Sessions: Drop-in sessions are information and comment stations set up at bus stops and colleges.

August 18: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m., County Center Drive Bus Stop, Temecula
Routes: 23, 24, 55, 61, 79

August 18: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Lake Elsinore Outlet Center Bus Stop
Routes: 7, 8 22

Open Houses: Open houses provide an opportunity for customers to receive a formal presentation and provide comment.

September 8: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., Mission Trail Library – Community Room, 34303 Mission Trail, Wildomar, CA 92595
Routes: 7, 8