Wildomar’s Mayor Pro-tem Rescues RTA Bus Blocked by Fire

Bridgette Moore is showing in more ways than one that she is committed to keeping Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) buses rolling even under the most challenging situations.

During a day in mid-October, Moore, who is Chair of the RTA Board of Directors, was the first city official on scene at a house fire on Grand Avenue in her home city of Wildomar. Firefighters had closed off the street as they worked to extinguish the blaze.

As the city’s mayor pro-tem, Moore was monitoring the situation when an RTA bus appeared down the street. The Route 8 bus was stuck. With the fire burning and the road closed, there was nowhere for the bus to go.

Except Moore had an idea. She knew the area well and knew a great detour. After a few attempts to give the driver verbal directions, Moore thought it would be easier and faster to just have the bus follow her out of the neighborhood. And that’s just what she did.

With the bus trailing her close behind, Moore made a few strategic turns through the neighborhood and soon enough the bus was back on route and back on schedule.

“I’m glad I was at the right place at the right time,” Moore said. “I’m so grateful for the things bus drivers do every day, so it was nice to help them out for a change.”

Moore, who has been on the Board since 2010. Now in her second term as Chair, Moore is responsible for leading the RTA Board in setting policy, guiding Agency priorities, conducting the Agency’s monthly Board meetings and representing RTA during public events.

During the past year, Moore spearheaded an effort to provide free rides for college students and area youth. That means limitless travel options for youth 18 and under as well as students at Cal Baptist University, La Sierra University, Moreno Valley College, Mt. San Jacinto College, Norco College, Riverside City College and UC Riverside. The program, which began August 1, is expected to last until next July.

Moore is hopeful the free rides will propel declining ridership that has been caused by the coronavirus pandemic.