Go Rio Student Transit Program MOU Approved by Norwalk City Council with the Norwalk Transit System.

Tuesday night, August 16, 2011, I attended the Norwalk City Council Meeting to speak on Council AgendaItem 13; Go Rio! Transit Program MOU with Norwalk Transit System.

The Norwalk City Council Approved Unanimously the MOU with Rio Hondo Community College District for the Go Rio Public Transportation Program continuing service to students and residents.

The Council had various questions and concerns regarding the recent fair increases and whether Rio Hondo was going to pay for the increases the Council recently approved. Mr. James Parker, Transportation Director, very clearly reported that Rio Hondo has been a partner for over five years and that the MOU contains language that responds to fair increase and that the MOU doesn’t not create a special route but rather utilizes existing routes. The City Attorney also informed the Council that the MOU pays (in advance) fairs at the established rate set by council.

The Council further asked how the City will know how many people will use the service to be sure that the City is being adequately compensated. Mr. Parker responded that the new "TAP" card and its technology collects data instantly and reports can be generated daily, weekly or monthly.

I was given the opportunity to speak on "Open Comment" and extended Rio’s deep appreciation and gratitude for the partnership created over five years ago and expanded on the many benefits of the program: 1) Greater access to Rio Hondo for residents of Norwalk; 2) decreased demand for on-campus parking; 3) decrease in auto emissions-pollution; 4) making college more affordable by utilizing public transit; and 5) a greater environmentally conscience student.

I want to thank Vice Mayor Kelly, Councilmembers Rodarte, Vernola, and Shryock for approving the item and continuing the service.

Go Rio Goes TAP

The Board approved the new innovative state-of-the-art smart chip technology Transit Access Pass (TAP), a new buss pass for Rio Hondo College students that will be honored by Foothill Transit, Metro, Montebello Transit and Norwalk Transit.

We have come a long ways since my first initiative to start a public transportation program for Rio Hondo College students. Since then, we have created partnerships with over six transit agencies to increase access for our students.

I remember, as a Rio Hondo student, going to the MTA hearings to testify on bus scheduling and for increase hours for evening students. Back then, the last bus left Rio Hondo at 9:00pm but our classes ended at 9:55 pm. So, a group of us trekked down the hill through the cemetery and miles home.