In response to declining revenues and ridership, coupled with ongoing social distancing requirements caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) has proposed several route and schedule changes. Affected routes include RapidLink Gold Line, 1, 15, 18, 21, 31, 32, 33, 40, 42, 44, 74, 79, 202, 204, 205, 206, 208, and 217.
With these proposed changes, RTA will continue to maintain as much service as possible while eliminating low-performing routes and trips, the company said in a public notice.
In an effort to maintain valuable service in the Hemet and San Jacinto area, RTA proposes the creation of a brand-new route that connects the Hemet Valley Mall with Mt. San Jacinto College with improved frequencies while removing portions of three routes and eliminating three other routes.
RTA is also proposing the launch of a microtransit pilot program, which will be a special type of on-demand service for the area. In order to ensure passengers are not left without service, no adjustments will be made to routes in the Hemet San Jacinto Valley until the pilot program is ready to launch this year.
RTA held virtual public meetings on December 28 and 29 to allow members of the public to comment on the proposed changes before the changes are presented to the RTA Board of Directors for final consideration on January 28. To view the presentation of the proposed changes, click here.
