Stanislaus could take over Riverbank, Oakdale dial-a-ride

MODESTO -- If county supervisors approve an agreement today, Stanislaus Regional Transit will start operating dial-a-ride service in Riverbank and Oakdale on Jan. 1.

In July, the county agreed to enter negotiations to take over dial-a-side service from the Riverbank Oakdale Transit Authority. The two cities decided to dissolve ROTA because it has not been able to cover at least 10 percent of its costs with fare revenue, a requirement for state funding.

Riverbank and Oakdale formed ROTA in 1993.

County Board Chairman Bill O'Brien said the county transit agency can run the service at a lower cost. "We will incorporate it into our system, so you don't need a transit manager and people to answer the phones," he said.

The Oakdale and Riverbank city councils gave approval last month for the new arrangement with Stanislaus Regional Transit. Transit revenue that had been allocated for ROTA for this year will be forwarded to the county.

Lower fares across board

The consolidation will result in lower fares for dial-a-ride passengers in Riverbank and Oakdale. The fare will be $1.25 for students, seniors and disabled riders, down from $1.50. Other passengers will pay $1.50, down from $2.

According to a report, the county plans to use $215,000 in local transportation funds and $16,000 in fares to provide dial-a-ride service.

The county's transit division will add a full-time employee for planning, marketing, customer service and scheduling.

Riverbank and Oakdale are included in the fixed-route bus service of Stanislaus Regional Transit. StaRT has dial-a-ride serv-ice in Patterson, Newman and Waterford.

The Board of Supervisors will meet at 9 a.m. today in the basement chamber of Tenth Street Place, 1010 10th St.

Bee staff writer Ken Carlson can be reached at kcarlson@modbee.com or (209) 578-2321.