[Riverside-San-Bernardino] Fwd: RTA Reader | July 2022

[Paulina Vazquez]

Just thought I would pass this along for those who use the city bus system.
Hope all are well.

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Riverside Transit Agency <comments at riversidetransit.com>
> Date: August 1, 2022 at 10:12:04 AM PDT
> To: paulinav557 at gmail.com
> Subject: RTA Reader | July 2022
> Reply-To: comments at riversidetransit.com
> 
> 
> July 2022
> 
> >> Please click here to download the pdf version of this newsletter.
> 
> 
> 
> CUSTOMERS TO SOON GET UPGRADED FAREBOXES, NEW MOBILE TICKETING APP
> RTA will soon ditch its current cash and coin fareboxes and replace them with ones that accept mobile tickets, smart cards and credit cards. The current fareboxes, which customers have used to pay their fares for the past 20 years, are increasingly unable to keep up with technology. That’s why the Agency is planning this November to overhaul its current fare collection system on more than 220 buses with fareboxes that will accept magnetic passes, mobile app tickets, smart cards, tap-enabled credit cards and Apple Pay and Google Pay. Cash and coin will continue to be accepted. Along with the fareboxes, RTA is also planning to improve its mobile ticketing platform, first launched in 2019, to a more modern system that includes a new mobile ticketing app that allows customers to buy passes, pay their fares, plan their trip and check the next arrival time of their bus. Plus, customers can use the app to buy and reload smart cards for fare payment. Customers aren’t the only ones who will enjoy the new-and-improved fareboxes and new mobile app. RTA is getting a new type of cloud-hosted system that will provide advanced ridership data and reports to help the Agency monitor ridership trends and route performance. The Agency has tapped Illinois-based Genfare, which has been serving the transit industry for 40 years, to perform the work associated with the overhaul of its fare-management system.   
> 
> 
> YOUTH, SENIORS, DISABLED, VETERANS RIDE FOR JUST 25 CENTS
>  
> Who says a quarter doesn’t buy much nowadays? Beginning August 1, RTA is offering 25-cent rides to youth, seniors, disabled and veterans. Whether it’s a lift to work, a ride to visit family or friends, or a trip to Disneyland, there’s never been a better time to ride the bus. While on board, customers can enjoy free Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, comfortable seating, friendly drivers, and, as always, our commitment to safety wherever you’re headed. Customers will be required to show valid ID to the driver to qualify for the 25-cent rides. Cash, coin and Token Transit app payment will be accepted. These special discounted rates last all year long, and into June of 2023, so there’s plenty of chances to ride for a quarter!
> 
> RIDERSHIP CONTINUES UPWARD CLIMB
> 
> During Fiscal Year 2022, which covered July 2021 through June 2022, RTA’s ridership climbed over 36 percent from the previous year. Not surprisingly, as life slowly returned to normal following two years of the pandemic, more people are getting back on board the bus in Riverside County. During the past fiscal year, RTA buses carried more than 4.1 million boardings, compared to 3 million the previous year. The upward trend has been clearly defined over the past five months, which has seen a steady increase amid sky-high gas prices and a special promotion that allowed youth and college students to ride for free and other customers to ride for just a quarter. The most recent ridership numbers for June show buses carrying 376,921 boardings, an increase of nearly 50 percent compared to a year ago. In fact, monthly ridership numbers have been on the rise over the past five months and there’s little sign of slowing down. The trend is encouraging, given the fact that ridership was down as much as 70 percent during the pandemic. Nowadays, ridership is down about 40 percent from pre-pandemic levels.
> 
> RETURNING COLLEGE STUDENTS GET UNLIMITED RIDES
> 
> Summer break may be ending but that doesn’t mean college students won’t continue to ride for free. In fact, when the fall terms resume in August and September, students at Cal Baptist University, La Sierra University, Moreno Valley College, Mt. San Jacinto College, Norco College, Riverside City College and UC Riverside will get unlimited rides on RTA buses. To ride, students simply use a mobile ticketing app on their phones to ride anywhere RTA buses go, anytime they operate. Students with questions on how to get your mobile pass should contact your school admissions office or RTA at (951) 565-5002.
> 
> TEMECULA TROLLEY RENEWED, RIDE-ALONG EVENT PLANNED IN AUGUST
> 
> 
> Thanks to a renewed partnership between RTA and the City of Temecula, the popular Temecula Trolley will keep rolling with free and convenient service to area schools, businesses and shopping centers. The trolley, also called Route 55, has been in operation since 2009, providing weekday service from the community of Harveston to the Promenade Temecula and surrounding areas. The trolleys stop frequently at a variety of other stops including Chaparral High School, the business district of County Center Drive and Ysabel Barnett Elementary School. Plus, the stop at the Promenade mall provides connections with other RTA routes and a short walk to Mt. San Jacinto College in Temecula. Find out for yourself at a ride-along event on August 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Harveston Community Park, 28582 Harveston Drive. Sponsored by RTA, the event is open to the public and features free resources, exhibitors, activities, games and more. Get details about the event by calling (951) 565-5176.
> 
> SERVICE CHANGE COMING SOON
>  
> On September 11, RTA will make several route and schedule adjustments to improve our customers’ travel experience. A service change guide will be available at RiversideTransit.com and onboard buses by mid-August and the new digital Ride Guide will debut by September 1.
> 
> NO BUS SERVICE ON LABOR DAY
>  
> On Labor Day, Monday, September 5, RTA buses will not operate. The Customer Information Center and RTA’s administrative offices will be closed. Bus service resumes Tuesday, September 6.
> 
> 
> 
> RTA’s Board of Directors will meet on September 22, 2 p.m., at the County of Riverside Administrative Center, 4080 Lemon St., First Floor in Riverside. SERVED BY RTA ROUTES 10, 12, 13 and 200.
> 
> 
> 
> THE TEMECULA DUCK POND
> 
> THE TEMECULA DUCK POND is one of Temecula’s most visited parks. Its central location at the corner of Ynez and Rancho California roads makes it a favorite destination for families seeking to watch the ducks, catch a fish, picnic, or just enjoy a warm sunny day by the water. While you’re there, be sure to check out the veterans memorial. Also, there are many popular restaurants and shopping centers within walking distance. Learn more by visiting www.temecula.gov. SERVED BY RTA ROUTE 24.
> 
> UC RIVERSIDE
> 
> UC RIVERSIDE is home to 26,000 students, all of whom get unlimited RTA bus rides. Despite its setting in Southern California, UCR has a distinctly Scottish feel. All residence halls are named for landmarks in Scotland. The school’s original mascot was a live Scottish terrier; today, sports teams are supported by a kilt-clad bear named Scotty. Learn more about UCR by visiting www.ucr.edu. SERVED BY RTA ROUTES 1, 16, 51 and 204.
> 
> NORCO LIBRARY
> 
> NORCO LIBRARY is one of the 35 branches and two bookmobiles that make up the Riverside County Library System. The library, located at 3240 Hamner Avenue, encourages a lifetime of learning and love of reading in a friendly and accepting environment. There’s something here for everyone, including children’s programs, literacy tutoring, free Internet access, audio books, magazines, and, of course, plenty of books to check out. Visit www.rivlib.info for details. SERVED BY RTA ROUTE 3.
> 
> HEMET VALLEY MALL
> 
> HEMET VALLEY MALL has been a shopping destination for roughly 30 years. The 250,000-squarefoot mall is anchored by J.C. Penney and Hobby Lobby, with a great mix of national, regional and local tenants. Getting to the mall is easy with RTA. In fact, RTA offers direct service as well as connections with several bus routes at this popular shopping, dining and entertainment destination. Get more information at thehemetvalleymall.com. SERVED BY RTA ROUTES 28, 31, 32, 33, 42, 74 and 79.
> 
> 
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> 
> Riverside Transit Agency | (951) 565-5002 | RiversideTransit.com
> 
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