RIVERSIDE – Travel in Murrieta and Temecula is about to get even better. Starting in October, the Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) kicked off a four-week advertising campaign in Murrieta and Temecula that allows customers to find out for themselves the benefits of riding the bus.

Whether it’s a lift to work or school or maybe the Promenade Mall, Pechanga Casino, Murrieta Senior Center, City Hall, Walmart or Old Town Temecula, RTA buses are going your way. And best of all, the rides are free for the month of October.

As part of the promotion, RTA will run ads in local newspapers and send fliers to thousands of homes in Murrieta and Temecula containing a coupon for free rides. Customers simply present the coupon to any Route 23 or 24 driver and they’ll get a free 1-Day pass valid on those routes and all connecting local bus routes. The newspaper ads will run in the Temecula Valley News on Oct. 5, 12 and 19.

With ridership continuing to climb, new buses on the way, and a future transit center planned in southwest Riverside County, RTA officials are eager to promote public transportation in Murrieta and Temecula. The area is home to several popular bus routes, including Route 24, which has seen a boarding increase of 10 percent compared to this time last year.

"We are proud Advertisement

[ Murrieta Volkswagen ] to have developed a strong and efficient bus system that is carrying more customers than ever before," said RTA Chairman of the Board and Murrieta Mayor Doug McAllister. "There are a great deal of people that are going to benefit from this promotion."

When it comes to growing ridership, RTA isn’t alone. Public transportation ridership surged in the second quarter of 2012, as Americans took nearly 2.7 billion trips, an increase of two percent over the second quarter of last year, according to a report released by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). This was the sixth consecutive quarterly increase.

"Based on the significant number of riders taking advantage of our trolley routes, it is clear that the residents of Temecula want more transportation choices and they will use public transportation if it is available in our community," said RTA Board member and Temecula City Council member Jeff Comerchero. "There’s never been a better time to ride the bus. In fact, RTA’s investments are paying off, resulting in customers experiencing a higher level of quality service."

The Riverside Transit Agency provides public transportation for Western Riverside County, operating 36 fixed routes, eight commuter routes and Dial-A-Ride service. RTA’s service area spans 2,500 square miles, the second largest in the nation.

For route and schedule information, contact RTA at (951) 565-5002 or go to www.RiversideTransit.com.