Stanislaus County to take over Riverbank dial-a-ride

RIVERBANK -- The City Council voted Tuesday night to have Stanislaus County take over the dial-a-ride service in the city.

The county aims to improve the financial performance of the service even while lowering the fares.

Seniors, students and disabled riders will pay $1.25, down from $1.50 with the current service. Everyone else will pay $1.50, down from $2.

The move is part of the dissolution of the Riverbank Oakdale Transit Authority, which formed in 1993 to provide service in the two cities.

The authority has not been able to cover at least 10 percent of its costs through fares, a requirement for state funding.

"It's a sad day that we have to say goodbye to ROTA, but we couldn't let it go on anymore," Councilwoman Jeanine Tucker said.

Oakdale also has agreed to dial-a-ride service with the county.

The county transit agency, Stanislaus Regional Transit, includes Riverbank and Oakdale on its fixed-route service. It provides dial-a-ride service in Newman, Patterson and Waterford.

The county will evaluate the Riverbank service next year and could carry out improvements by August, said Kathleen Cleek, senior management analyst for the city.

The vote was 4-0. Councilman Jesse James White was absent.

Bee staff writer John Holland can be reached at jholland@modbee.com or (209) 578-2385.