In Riverside County, transit options don't stop at regular buses and trains. RCTC provides funding for specialized services that serve senior citizens and persons with disabilities and
Measure A also funds a number of innovative services that serve this same population.
The Commission has long demonstrated a strong commitment to assisting in the mobility of those with special transit needs. Through its Specialized Transit Program, the Commission has provided millions of dollars to public and non-profit transit operators to assist in the provision of special transit services to improve the mobility of seniors and persons with disabilities.
Federal funding through Section 5310, 5316, 5317 is also available to support specialized transit programs. In accordance with the provisions of SAFETEA-LU, recipients under these programs must comply with all federal coordinated planning requirements to be eligible for funds. The reauthorization stipulates that projects selected for funding under these programs must be derived from a locally coordinated, public transit-human services transportation plan (Coordinated Plan).
Transportation assistance translates into everything from mileage reimbursements to dial-a-ride services operated by city governments, transit agencies and non-profit groups. Specialized transit means someone who is disabled can go to work on his or her own; someone who's aged can shop at the neighborhood grocery store; and someone who is low on cash can get to the doctor.
In the western county, Commission policy apportions 2.5% of the funds from the Measure A Specialized Transportation Account for Specialized Transit Programs while in the Coachella Valley, 5-10% of the revenues are directed to this account. The Coachella Valley apportionments have traditionally been provided to SunLine Transit Agency to support their specialized transit programs and support reduced fares for seniors and persons with disabilities.
In the western county, the revenues have been used to support a variety of specialized transit solutions. In addition to supporting some capital and operating expenses related to public dial-a-ride, the Commission has granted funds to non-profit agencies to provide transit assistance in hard to serve rural areas or for riders having very special transit needs.
