Riverside Connect to raise fares 25 cents; free-ride day set for June 10

Riverside Connect told the Commission on Disabilities on Thursday that the city-contracted special transportation service will raise fares by 25 cents beginning July 1 and is offering a free-ride day on June 10 to mark its 50th anniversary of service to the city.

“Riverside Connect's been providing services for the city for 50 years this year,” John Burnett, representing Riverside Connect, said during the public-comment period. He told commissioners the fare increase will take effect July 1 and that “our fares are going up just a quarter.”

Burnett described eligibility rules and reservation procedures for the service. Riders aged 60 or older qualify; younger riders must have a qualified medical disability and be approved through RTA (the Regional Transit Authority) to use the service. “So you can be either 60 or better or have the qualified medical disability,” Burnett said. He added that approvals are processed through RTA and that some riders bring a companion to travel with them.

Commissioners asked about lower-age limits for companions and whether Riverside Connect still operates from the Corporation Yard; Burnett confirmed the service is still based there and encouraged commissioners and residents to try the service on the free-ride day.

Burnett said Riverside Connect had provided updated brochures to the commission and staff and offered to provide additional copies to community centers on request.

No formal city action was taken on the Riverside Connect remarks; the item was presented as public comment during the Commission on Disabilities meeting.