The Point: RCTC’s Specialized Transit Program helps Riverside County residents stay mobile

Transportation is a key part of a well-functioning society. Regardless of a person’s age, ability, income, or other factors, being able to shop for groceries, see the doctor, or visit friends and family provides independence and belonging.

Through Measure A, the voter-approved half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements in Riverside County, RCTC offers specialized transit services to meet the needs of the county’s most vulnerable residents, such as seniors, those with low-income, or those with disabilities. The services typically fill gaps that are not met by traditional bus service or other forms of transportation.

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RCTC has awarded grants to 15 non-profit and public agencies that provide a wide range of specialized transit services based on their clients’ needs.

U.S. Vets, for example, transports low income and/or homeless military veterans in Riverside County to and from appointments at the Jerry L Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital in Loma Linda. Transportation helps the U.S. Vets’ overall mission of securing housing or employment for veterans.

Independent Living Partnership, a non-profit agency, is another grant recipient, and offers mileage reimbursement for volunteers who drive seniors and persons with disabilities that are too frail or ill to use public transit. One client said, “Without this service, I would be trapped at home, unable to make my appointments on time… Having my own person drive me helps me feel safe and less vulnerable and less exposed to danger or getting lost.”

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Click here for a full list of grant recipients of Specialized Transit Program funding.

If your organization would like to receive printed copies of the Specialized Transit Program brochures to place on countertops or give to prospective riders, please email specializedtransit@rctc.org or call 951-787-7141 and ask for the Specialized Transit Program staff.