Melissa Blankenship

The Board of Directors meeting addressed several operational and administrative items. Key actions included the approval of an agreement for the implementation of a software-defined wide area network at the Riverside and Hemet facilities, the acceptance of the State of California Transportation Development Act Triennial Performance Audit results for fiscal years 2022-2024, and the authorization to award a contract for transit enhancements at sixteen bus stop locations. The Board also approved a process for the quarterly submission of CEO-approved contracts and discussed updates to the purchasing policies and procedures manual.

The meeting materials include an agenda for an upcoming Board Executive Committee meeting and minutes from a previous session. Key discussion topics involve the authorization to award an agreement for the installation of electric vehicle dual-port charging stations to support fleet transition, and a discussion regarding potential adjustments to Board member compensation, including a review of compensation policies at similar local transportation agencies.

The committee meeting featured a presentation from the Riverside Transit Agency on current partnerships, including details on grants supporting mobility hubs, free bus pass programs, travel training, and public-safety collaborations with law enforcement. Additionally, the committee received legislative updates regarding traffic signal synchronization pilot projects, potential changes to DUI laws and sentencing, and a mileage study exploring alternatives to the gas tax. Ridership statistics were reported, noting a year-over-year increase, and the committee received updates from various local cities regarding infrastructure projects such as bridge and road improvements, traffic safety initiatives, and community events.

The meeting featured a presentation on the RCTC Traffic Relief Plan regarding traffic congestion solutions and transit infrastructure improvements in Riverside County. Legislative updates included a new bill package from Senator Sabrina Cervantes. Operational reports covered ridership statistics for the Riverside Transit Agency, the Youth Ride Free promotion, and funding for the Coachella Valley Rail project. Community announcements included updates on various public works projects, bridge construction, road pavement, and upcoming municipal cultural and seasonal events. Additionally, the group voted to cancel certain upcoming meetings due to scheduling conflicts.

The meeting included introductions and public comments. Key discussions involved a presentation on the RTA's Customer Information Center and updates on legislative matters from various offices, including information regarding the Senator's role in the State Appropriations Committee and proposals concerning the gas tax. Transportation and ridership updates covered the new photo system for 91 FasTrak Express Lanes and January ridership figures for the Riverside Transit Agency, noting an overall increase for the fiscal year and the ongoing Youth Ride Free promotion. The session concluded with the election of Chapter Officers (Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary) and community announcements regarding veteran resources and local events.