Comerchero to Lead RTA Board of Directors in 2014

Temecula City Councilman Jeff Comerchero was recently elected to serve as the 2014 chairman of Riverside Transit Agency’s governing board.

Comerchero was unanimously chosen to lead the 22-member board made up of public officials from the area it serves. The public transportation agency covers a 2,500-square-mile service area in western Riverside County, operating 36 fixed routes, eight commuter routes and Dial-A-Ride service.

“I am honored to be chosen again by my fellow Board members for this important position,” Comerchero stated in a news release. “I look forward to building on RTA’s tradition of success, and ensuring public transportation continues to remain relevant, innovative, and evolves in a positive way to meet the needs of Riverside County residents.”

As chairman, Comerchero assumes the responsibilities held most recently by District 5 County Supervisor Marion Ashley. The chairperson is 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.

RTA Spokesman Brad Weaver said Comerchero has been a driving force on the Board for the past 13 years, including serving as chairperson in 2010.

“Comerchero has been active on various Board committees, including the Budget and Finance Committee, which has provided crucial financial oversight and ensured positive audit results year after year,” Weaver said. “He was also a member of the group’s fuel task force, which identified ways for RTA to save money on fuel costs.”

Board members also voted San Jacinto Councilman Andrew Kotyuk as first vice chairman and Calimesa City Councilwoman Ella Zanowic as second chair.

“Comerchero assumes leadership during a period of record ridership, customer satisfaction and growing popularity across the region,” Weaver said. “In fact, ridership reached an all-time high in FY13, and RTA’s student-ride programs are more popular than ever."

Weaver said RTA has also launched travel training programs for disabled and older customers, and is releasing the next generation of Compressed Natural Gas buses on the streets to replace its aging fleet.

Departing Board Chairman Ashley said his experience on the board was positive, and was proud of the Agency’s success.

“From the landmark purchase of a new fleet of eco-friendly buses, to the rollout of a wildly popular travel training program, to renewed partnerships with area colleges and universities that gave a tidal wave of students unlimited rides — and countless other steps to improve travel options for Riverside County residents— this was a year of progress on so many fronts,” Ashley said.