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RIVERSIDE, CA — December 18, 2009 — The Riverside Transit Agency’s Board of Directors has unanimously elected Temecula Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Comerchero to take leadership of the 20-member governing board.
As chairman, Comerchero will be responsible for leading the RTA Board in setting policy, guiding Agency priorities, conducting the Agency’s monthly Board meetings and representing RTA during public events. He assumes the responsibilities held most recently by Corona Mayor Karen Spiegel.
“I am so proud of the accomplishments of this governing board and honored to be chosen by my fellow Board members for this position,” Comerchero said. “I look forward to building on RTA’s tradition of success, and ensuring that public transportation remains a relevant and important part of our lives.”
Board members also unanimously elected Riverside County District 1 Supervisor Bob Buster as the new vice chair and Murrieta City Councilman Doug McAllister as the new second vice chair.
Comerchero, an RTA Board member since 2000, has been active on various Board committees, and is the current chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, which has provided crucial financial oversight and ensured positive audit results. During his tenure, Comerchero has been a strong supporter of the Agency’s switch from diesel fuel to compressed natural gas, and its push to offer bus service to customers travelling longer distances.
In recent years, Comerchero helped launch CommuterLink Route 202, an express route that was among the first in the state to offer passengers free satellite television and wireless Internet. He was also instrumental in the creation of the hugely successful Beach Bus, the Temecula Trolley and the new Route 217, which offers expanded express service from Temecula to Escondido.
Departing Board Chairman Karen Spiegel said her experience on the board was positive, and was proud of the Agency’s historic ridership gains of 2009, the launching of two new express routes and the long- awaited ground-breaking of the Corona Transit Center. During her tenure, the Agency forged or expanded valuable partnerships with the Riverside Community College District, UC Riverside, and La Sierra and Cal Baptist universities that enabled thousands of students to ride the bus for free.
“It was a pleasure to be a part of these exciting developments,” said Spiegel. “Looking ahead, I am eager to continue efforts to meet the needs of our customers and ensure that RTA remains a vital part of western Riverside County.” |
