The Point: Measure A Specialized Transit Program supports special non-profit community agencies that provide unique transportation services
At its June 12 meeting, the Commission awarded $9.9 million in Measure A funding for 20 projects to 15 non-profit and public agencies that provide specialized transit services across Riverside County for Fiscal Years 2024 through 2027.
For Riverside County’s most vulnerable residents – seniors, persons with disabilities, and low-income individuals – accessing transportation options to medical appointments, social services, and everyday activities can be challenging. RCTC’s Specialized Transit Program makes a significant difference in filling in the gaps not met by other forms of transportation. Specialized Transit Programs support operating and capital projects such as senior transportation shuttles, non-emergency medical transportation services, bus pass/voucher programs, mileage reimbursement programs, travel training, vehicle and maintenance equipment, and communications and dispatch equipment.
At its meeting, Commissioners heard first-hand how valuable this funding is for organizations providing the services and those who use it. “We are thrilled and very grateful to have been recommended for RCTC funding through the Measure A program,” said Jessica Muñoz, President and CEO of Voices for Children – one of the 15 grant recipients. The non-profit recruits, trains, and supports Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers who speak up for the needs and well-being of children in foster care.
Muñoz added, “the funding is important to us for many reasons. One of the ways that our volunteer advocates support youth in care is by providing transportation for them when they need to attend court hearings, meetings in the community, school events, and sometimes even enrichment activities that they have no other way to participate in.”
RCTC has heard from additional organizations about the value of funding for these services.
“RCTC’s Measure A Specialized Transportation funding has for over 30 years supported Care-A-Van’s mission to provide ‘transportation with a heart’ to seniors, disabled individuals, and the truly needy,” said Mary Jo Ramirez, Executive Director of Care-A-Van. The non-profit is one of the 15 grant recipients and provides door-to-door transportation services for seniors and riders with disabilities.
Ramirez added, “Care-A-Van provides more than just a ride – our drivers keep a watchful eye on our elderly and disabled customers well-being, directing them towards resources, and helping them preserve their quality of life. We thank RCTC for all their support for Specialized Transportation in helping our most vulnerable individuals by improving their quality of life.”
“For the past nine years, the Idyllwild Area Shuttle Service has been the only public transportation service available in our small hamlet communities of Idyllwild-Pine Cove, Fern Valley, and Mountain Center. The award of this grant will allow the continuation of this free service for another three years as well as allow for the purchase of a new, safer, more reliable, and more comfortable van for necessary medical and shopping trips down the mountain,” said Reba Coulter, Secretary and Treasurer of Forest Folk.
The 15 Measure A Specialized Transit Program grant recipients include:
- Boys & Girls Club of Menifee Valley
- Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County
- Care-A-Van Transit Inc
- City of Norco Parks – Recreation and Community Services Department
- Forest Folk, Inc.
- Friends of Moreno Valley Senior Center, Inc,
- Operation Safehouse
- Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health (RUHS-BH)
- Riverside University Health System – Medical Center (RUHS-MC)
- EXCEED
- Angel View
- Independent Living Partnership
- Voices for Children
- Blindness Support Service
- Michelle’s Place
With these latest grants, RCTC continues to uphold its commitment of providing funding to non-profit providers of transit services for vulnerable Riverside County residents.