The Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) is celebrating four decades of service with employee- and customer-focused events through the year.
Back in 1977, RTA’s headquarters was a converted gas station in Riverside out of which 60 employees launched service with 26 used vehicles, six routes and the slogan “RTA is here to stay.” Since then, the Agency has expanded greatly to serve the changing needs of a growing region. Today, RTA’s 328 vehicles are handling nearly nine million boardings a year on 36 routes, eight CommuterLink express routes and a senior and disabled Dial-A-Ride service.
“We are delighted to celebrate this important milestone with the community,” Chair Linda Krupa said. “This milestone allows us to re fl ect on our accomplishments over the years and focus on a bright future. It also lets us honor the employees, Board members, stakeholders and customers who made RTA what it is today.”
In celebration of its 40 year anniversary, RTA is giving away a free lunch — and a swag bag of goodies — to 40 lucky people during the year courtesy of Sub Station at UC Riverside. To be entered into the contest, customers simply like, share or follow RTA on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Contest winners outside of the Riverside area will receive coupons for free lunches in their own cities.
More promotions are underway, including special “40 Years of Service” decals on the side of selected vehicles. RTA’s website is celebrating the ruby anniversary with a special section on the Agency’s history and key milestones.
Some of those milestones are worth mentioning.
In 1986, RTA’s headquarters was the fi rst in the country with alternative fueling capabilities. In 1988, RTA was the fi rst transit agency in the world to operate low-emission methanol buses. In 2001, it was among the fi rst transit agencies to switch from diesel fuel to compressed natural gas. In 2003, it broke new ground again by offering customers free Wi-Fi and satellite TV aboard CommuterLink express buses. And last year, in 2016, RTA expanded its student ride program to include a record-seven college campuses, giving more students than ever unlimited bus rides with their student ID’s.
On a staffing level, three employees are celebrating their 39- and 40-year anniversaries with RTA, and one of them, a mechanic-turned-maintenance manager, has been here from the very beginning.
Looking forward, RTA has a lot of good things on the horizon. Later this year, RTA customers can look forward to the debut of RapidLink service between UC Riverside and Corona. Also this year, RTA will proudly host the California Transit Association’s 52nd annual fall conference and expo.
Other projects are in the works, including the creation of transit hubs in Riverside, Hemet, Temecula and the UC Riverside campus. RTA is also planning the release of a BusWatch app that will provide customers with real-time arrival times at all bus stops.
"Now, more than ever, the people of this region need a public transit system that not only takes them where they want to go but does so in a way that improves their quality of life,” Krupa said. "We still remain committed to our passengers and we pledge to follow our passion as we enter a future full of possibilities. It’s been a great ride so far. But the best is yet to come.”
