Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority

Air Show 2011

2011-04-20T09:48:00.000-07:00

It was a great weekend at the 100th Anniversary Naval Air Show April 9-10, 2011! Although the Blue Angels were not able to take the to the skies on Saturday the event was full of other aviation performances. However, the skies seemed to clear up at about 3:30pm on Sunday to provide a nice canvas for the famous Blue Angels flight performance.

The RTA has been a proud supporter of the Naval Air Show for many years and this year was no different; we transported almost 20,000 people!

As always, all involved in putting on this event are wonderful to work with and show the utmost appreciation for our support. Specifically, thank you to our team leading the way out there -- all the drivers, support personnel, and administrative staff, your hard work and dedication is unsurpassed!

Enjoy the pictures from the 100th Anniversary Air Show!

RTA Service Changes and Streamlined Fare Structure -- Arriving February 7, 2011

2011-01-27T09:42:00.000-08:00

The RTA Service Changes and Streamlined Fare Structure

Effective Monday, February 7, 2011

The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority will be implementing service changes to its bus routes that are needed to improve efficiency, eliminate unproductive service, and help reduce costs. The changes are set to take effect Monday, February 7, 2011 and the Sunday services to take effect Sunday, February 13, 2011. Along with the service changes, the RTA will implement a streamlined fare structure that will provide a more concise and easier to understand layout for RTA fares. Implementation for the streamlined fare structure is Monday, February 7, 2011. Service changes and streamlined fare structure include:

New Sunday Route #24s: Serving Port Ayers Station, Los Encinos, Wal-Mart on Greenwood and a portion of Route #19 along Kostoryz, Sokol, Sacky, and CC Trade Center.

Frequency: Sunday – Hourly

· Route 32s: Existing mall loop east of Southside Transit Station would be eliminated. Williams, Staples and McArdle roads will be served by existing routes. Airline Road will no longer be served. Frequency would be increased to hourly for improved connectivity. Route #32s would continue to Route #66 arriving at Southside Transit Station.

· Frequency: Sunday - Hourly

New Sunday Route #66: Route #66 would provide needed transportation to Texas A&M students who live on campus and surrounding student housing. Route #66 would continue as Route #32s arriving at Southside Station.

Frequency: Sunday - Hourly

Route #76 :Route #76 would be extended on Corpus Christi Beach up to Beach Street and further south to Water and Buford (Holiday Inn Emerald Beach Hotel). The service would operate seasonally in conjunction with our Harbor Ferry service between the hours of 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Frequency: Monday - Saturday – Hourly

Route #75 and #78: These two routes would be combined as one route called #78 CC Beach/Bayfront Connector. It would offer a one seat trip to & from CC Beach tourist attractions, downtown, and other bayfront attractions.

Frequency: Monday - Saturday - 30 minutes

Route #73 and #79: These two routes would be combined as one route called #79 Downtown/Shoreline Shuttle. It would serve attractions in the downtown and shoreline areas.

Frequency: Monday - Saturday - 30 minutes

For more information, contact Service Development Department, Regional Transportation Authority, 5658 Bear Lane, Corpus Christi, TX 78405, or call the Service Development Department at 361-289-2712.

Please see the picture below for our new streamlined Fare Structure.

Any questions? Call our Customer Service Center at 361-883-2287!

A New Year Welcomes New Buses, New Board Member, and New CEO

2011-01-21T08:04:00.000-08:00

2011 started off with some remarkable highlights. RTA welcomed our new CEO, Mr. Scott Neeley on January 6th along with issuing the Oath of Office to the RTA Board of Directors for Mr. Gil Hernandez. RTA Board of Directors selected Ms. Gloria Perez as Vice-Chair, and Mrs. Angie Flores-Granado as Secretary.To top it all off, the RTA received two new buses that feature a Stars and Stripes motif to honor the men and women who continuously serve and protect our county.Unfortuntly, we did have to say goodbye to our Interim CEO, Mr. Michael Setzer - we wish him well on his future journey in transportation.

Enjoy the pictures from an exciting start to 2011!

Stars and Stripes Bus

Mr. Gil Hernandez taking the RTA Board of Directors Oath of Office

Welcome to the RTA Board of Directors

Thank you Mr. Setzer for your leadership


Secretary, Angie Flores-Granado, Chairman, Crystal Lyons, & Vice-Chair Gloria Perez

RTA NEW YEAR’S HOLIDAY SERVICE

2010-12-29T13:07:00.000-08:00

The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) New Year’s holiday schedule is as follows:

Friday, December 31, 2010 – New Year’s Eve

Regular weekday service and fares. RTA Administrative Offices and RTA Customer Service Center are closed.

Saturday, January 1, 2011 – New Year’s Day

All services will run on a Sunday schedule with Sunday fares. For further information please call the 24 hour automated service line at 361-289-2600.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

All RTA fixed routes and B-Line service will operate on a regular Sunday Schedule.

For additional information about service availability, route schedules, hours of operations, or service areas, log on to www.ccrta.org or call the 24 hour automated hotline at 361-289-2600.

RTA OFFERS FREE RIDE ON CHRISTMAS EVE

2010-12-22T09:23:00.000-08:00

Ride on the RTA for FREE to the Annual Feast of Sharing event

Corpus Christi, Texas (December 21, 2010) – The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) will provide FREE accessible service to the 22nd Annual Feast of Sharing event, sponsored by HEB and the City of Corpus Christi on Christmas Eve, Friday, December 24, 2010. RTA has provided FREE transportation to the Feast of Sharing event for over twenty years.

Riders traveling from anywhere in the Corpus Christi and surrounding service areas may claim the FREE ride on any accessible service by simply telling the bus operator “I’m traveling to the Feast of Sharing Event”. This includes ADA paratransit eligible B-Line customers who schedule a trip for "Feast of Sharing" by December 23^rd. Join RTA, HEB and the City of Corpus Christi in supporting this community tradition.

FEAST OF SHARING EVENT

Friday, December 24^th, 2010

American Bank Center

Accessible bus service to the American Bank Center beginning at 10:00 A.M.

From the RTA / City Hall Bus Stop (Staples Street side of City Hall)

Departing every 30 – minutes

The last bus will depart the American Bank Center at 3:45 P.M.

For additional information about service availability, route schedules, hours of operations, or service areas, log on to www.ccrta.org or call the 24 hour automated hotline at 361-289-2600.

Christmas Holiday Bus Service Schedule

2010-12-22T09:16:00.000-08:00

RTA CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY SERVICE

Corpus Christi, Texas (December 21, 2010) – The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Christmas holiday schedule is as follows:

Friday, December 24, 2010 – Christmas Eve

Regular weekday service and fares, but ending earlier between 7:30pm to 8:30pm.

B-Line will end service between 6:00pm and 7:00pm.

Saturday, December 25, 2010 – Christmas Day

All RTA offices are closed, including B-Line services. For further information please call the 24 hour automated service line at 361-289-2600.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

All RTA fixed routes and B-Line service will operate on a regular Sunday Schedule.

For additional information about service availability, route schedules, hours of operations, or service areas, log on to www.ccrta.org or call the 24 hour automated hotline at 361-289-2600.

STUFF THE BUS with TOYS FOR TOTS!

2010-12-10T09:23:00.000-08:00

RTA Considers Service Changes

2010-12-03T11:33:00.000-08:00

The RTA Considers Service Changes

The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority is considering changes to its bus services that are needed to improve efficiency, eliminate unproductive service, and help reduce costs. A series of public hearings is scheduled for December. If approved, the changes would be effective in February 2010. Proposed changes include:

New Sunday Route #24s: Serving Port Ayers Station, Los Encinos, Wal-Mart on Greenwood and a portion of Route #19 along Kostoryz, Sokol, Sacky, and CC Trade Center.

Frequency: Sunday - Hourly

Route 32s: Existing mall loop east of Southside Transit Station would be eliminated. Williams, Staples and McArdle roads will be served by existing routes. Airline Road will no longer be served. Frequency would be increased to hourly for improved connectivity. Route #32s would continue to Route #66 arriving at Southside Transit Station.

Frequency: Sunday - Hourly

New Sunday Route #66: Route #66 would provide needed transportation to Texas A&M students who live on campus and surrounding student housing. Route #66 would continue as Route #32s arriving at Southside Station.

Frequency: Sunday - Hourly

Route #76:Route #76 would be extended on Corpus Christi Beach up to Beach Street and further south to Water and Buford (Holiday Inn Emerald Beach Hotel). The service would operate seasonally in conjunction with our Harbor Ferry service between the hours of 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Frequency: Monday - Saturday – Hourly

Route #75 and #78: These two routes would be combined as one route called #78 CC Beach/Bayfront Connector. It would offer a one seat trip to & from CC Beach tourist attractions, downtown, and other bayfront attractions.

Frequency: Monday - Saturday - 30 minutes

Route #73 and #79: These two routes would be combined as one route called #79 Downtown/Shoreline Shuttle. It would serve attractions in the downtown and shoreline areas.

Frequency: Monday - Saturday - 30 minutes

RTA is inviting the public to attend public hearings scheduled for:

· Tuesday, November 30th from 6:00AM to 10:00AM and 3:00PM to 6:00PM, at Staples Street Station, 602 N. Staples Street.

· Thursday, December 2nd from 11:00AM to 1:00PM at the Omni Bayfront Hotel, 900 N. Shoreline Blvd. – Matagorda Room, 3^rd Floor

· Tuesday, December 7th beginning at 6:00PM at the Radisson Beach Hotel, 3200 E. Surfside Blvd. – Martinique Room

Written comments will be accepted for up to ten (10) days after the public hearings.

For more information, contact Service Development Department, Regional Transportation Authority, 5658 Bear Lane, Corpus Christi, TX 78405, or call the Service Development Department at 361-289-2712.

Veterans and Active Military Ride Free on Veterans Day, November 11, 2010

2010-11-11T06:55:00.000-08:00

RTA THANKS LOCAL VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

Corpus Christi, Texas (November 10, 2010) – The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) will thank our nation’s Veterans and Active Duty Military by inviting them to ride free on any RTA bus route including Paratransit services on Veterans Day, November 11, 2010.

“It is a privilege for us to serve our Veterans and Active Duty Military on a day that symbolizes respect and honor such as Veterans Day,” said Mike Setzer, Interim CEO of the RTA. “Allowing our military to ride free for a day will allow us the opportunity to serve and thank them for their service.”

To ride free, Veterans and Active Duty Military will need to show proof of military service on November 11, 2010 to the bus operator through one of the following methods of identification; U.S Uniform Services Identification Card; U.S Uniform Services Retired Identification Card; Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES); DD form 214; Veterans Organization Card (i.e., American Legion and VFW); Photograph in Uniform; or Wearing Uniform.

For additional information about service availability, route schedules, hours of operations, or service areas, log on to www.ccrta.org or call the 24 hour automated hotline at 361-289-2600.

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The Regional Transportation Authority was created by the people to provide quality transportation in a responsible manner consistent with its financial resources and the diverse needs of the people. Secondarily, the Authority will also act responsibly to enhance the regional economy.

RTA Wears a New Color....PINK!

2010-10-22T08:51:00.000-07:00

From parts to admin, from early shift to late, from CEO to Bus Operator we are wearing PINK! The RTA is a proud supporter of the American Cancer Society's efforts to end breast cancer. Together, we can all B the difference. by educating our community on awareness and encouraging each other to receive early detection. Breast cancer is a disease that can effect women, children, and even men. RTA Staff is proud to show our support tomorrow at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at Cole Park and by providing transportation to the event on our Route 76! So hop on the trolley and join us as we become the difference to create a wold with more birthdays! Enjoy the slide-show below.

RTA Public Transit for Del Mar Students - PSA

2010-10-05T06:43:00.000-07:00

Del Mar's video production team along with the RTA, teamed up to put together this PSA for Del Mar students that will also air on Corpus Christi Public Access Television, channel 19. This informational video serves as a reminder that students can ride for free on RTA bus routes. Thank you Del Mar for helping us get the word out that public transportation is the safer and more efficient way to get to school.

RTA Brings Home Awards

2010-09-30T09:06:00.000-07:00

Two first place awards and one third place award was brought home from the South West Transit Association's (SWTA) Spotlight Awards Ceremony held in Tempe, Arizona. First place awards were won in the Social Media Category and the other for a Promotional Event. The third place award was received for the RTA's B green. campaign. Enjoy our bragging rights below.

Del Mar College and RTA Rock "Round the Clock Registration Rally" 2010

2010-09-09T08:39:00.000-07:00

DMC President Dr. Mark Escamilla in front of a RTA bus featuring Del Mar College's 75th Anniversary bus wrap.

Route 32 - Southside Mini-B To Experience Major Route Detour

2010-08-30T14:17:00.000-07:00

Effective Tuesday, August 31, 2010, Route 32 - Southside Mini-B will be on detour. The detour will remain in effect for approximately seven weeks. Detour route shown in red below. Please call the RTA Customer Service Center 883-2287 for more information.

RTA Explores New Alternative Fuel Options

2010-08-23T12:01:00.000-07:00

The RTA gladly welcomed a 40' hybrid bus on property August 23, 2010. It was a spectator draw all the way from Montreal, Canada. The 40' hybrid - lined with lime green seats and and a color scheme you couldn't miss! Enjoy the pictures!

B Green. Go Public.

2010-07-27T14:17:00.000-07:00

Calculate Your Carbon Footprint

2010-07-12T13:58:00.000-07:00

Click the picture below to see how much you reduce your carbon footprint by using public transportation. Remember, B green!

RTA Kicks Off B. GREEN Campaign

2010-07-02T12:49:00.000-07:00

Public transportation plays a significant role in finding smart solutions to the environmental challenges facing America. While transit clearly benefits those who use the system, even larger benefits accrue to all citizens in the form of more livable communities, reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, reducing energy consumption, and allows for both transit agencies and individuals to reduce their carbon footprint. The RTA has recently adopted a Sustainability Program to further advance the local environment through public transit. Below you will find a few striking facts about the benefits of public transportation in the environmental realm. ‘B’ green. Coastal Bend!

Our engine coolant is not the only thing that’s green.

The RTA saves the Coastal Bend 11.5 million in Congestion
Relief Benefits which includes riders’ savings in travel
time, vehicle maintenance, enhanced safety,
and improved air quality.**

The RTA has solar panel lighting in bus stop shelters.
Recycle bins are placed throughout RTA offices for
paper, plastic, and cardboard.

RTA recycles oil, batteries, ink cartridges, oil filters,
absorbent clay and pads, light bulbs, metal, and parts solvents.

Public transportation saves 37 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.*

If an individual switches a 20-mile round-trip commute to public transportation, his or her annual CO2 emissions will decrease by 4,800 pounds per year.*

*http://www.publictransportation.com/reports/index_environmental.asp
** Lee, Ph.D., Jim 2006. Total Congestion Relief Benefits. The Regional Economic Impact of Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority: 20-21.

Schools Out For Summer

2010-05-25T07:42:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest ad in CC Magazine, June 2010.
Students, remember you can B independent. this summer by using public transportation.

RTA Makes Mark in Cleveland

2010-05-17T12:57:00.000-07:00

The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority traveled to Cleveland, Ohio for the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Bus and Paratransit Conference and APTA Bus Roadeo. Our great employees sure helped to put Corpus Christi on the map, here is how we did.

Bus competition: Julian Carranza – 3^rd place

Maintenance team – RTA ranked 11 out of 24

Overall combined scores (bus and maintenance competition) – RTA ranked 7^th place out of 22

Here are a few pictures to enjoy of the trip.

April 2010

2010-04-28T08:34:00.000-07:00

April has been a busy month for the RTA. We hosted the Texas Transit Association Conference, State Bus Roadeo, and Expo...whew...we had a wonderful time with other transit employees and stakeholders from around our great State of Texas!

On the same day we participated in Earth Day Bay Day downtown at Cole Park. Earth Day Bay Day is a wonderful event for all those who realize the importance of saving our planet and a superb learning expereince for those who are not quite sure how to make a little difference. For goodies we gave out biodegradable recycled pens and wildflower seed paper with facts and information on how public transportation is a 'green' mode of transportation. Thanks Earth Day Bay Day for providing us a great lead in to our future marketing campaign of B green.

Here are some pictures for your enjoyment!

Lamont Taylor gives a thumbs up at the Roadeo!

RTA's Maintenance Team took 3rd Place!

Martin Trevino, takes a breather with some TTA members! Thanks for all your hard work!

Here is our April Newsletter for employees. Which showcases our local RTA Roadeo we had on March 17th.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Bus Stop Groundbreaking

2010-02-15T10:18:00.000-08:00

The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (CCRTA) has received $2.9 million dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The Corpus Christi RTA is using these dollars to fund Bus Stop improvements throughout the RTA service area to to provide accessibility to all individuals. These improvements will consist of landing pads, curb cuts, shelter pads, sidewalk improvements, and curb and gutter repair. These improvements will enhance the quality of service we can provide to our community. These improvements will not only enhance our service level but the quality of service we can provide to our current and prospective riders. The project completion date for phase 1 is May 2010.

Here are a few pictures from the ARRA Bus Stop Groundbreaking Event. Enjoy.

Future site of an improved Bus Stop that will be ADA compliant

We had a great turn out! From Left to Right:

Ed Carrion - CEO, Rev. Henry Williams, John Longoria, Andrew Sandoval - Congressman Ortiz' Constituent Representative, Judy Telge, Representative Abel Herrero, Crystal Lyons - RTA Board Chair, Angie Flores-Granado, Gloria D. Perez, Connie Scott, and Representative Todd Hunter

Community Advocate, Abel Alonzo and Representative Todd Hunter talk with each other about upcoming RTA improvements

RTA Welcomes New and Returning Board Members

2009-10-15T12:25:00.000-07:00

October 14, 2009, The RTA swore in three new appointees from Nueces County; Angie Flores Granado, Gloria D. Perez, and Connie Scott. David Martinez, Committee of Mayors’ appointee, and reappointed Board member Ricardo Ramon were sworn in as well. All five were sworn in by re-elected RTA Board Chair, Crystal Lyons, who administered the Oath of Office. Lyons was unanimously elected to serve her second term as Board Chair.

Board members Anna Flores, Sara Salvide, and Mike Rendon were commended for their previous service on the board. Congratulations and welcome aboard to our new and returning board members!

(L-R)Gloria D. Perez, Connie Scott, Angie Flores Granado, David Martinez, Ricardo Ramon

John Bell and Crystal Lyons

RTA Wins GRAND PRIZE at Annual APTA Conference

2009-10-15T12:10:00.000-07:00

At first the letter came stating that we had won two 1st place awards in the 30th Annual APTA (American Public Transportation Association) AdWheel Awards for two marketing campaigns, a print ad and a educational/public awareness campaign; we were ecstatic! It gets better, senior staff headed to the Annual APTA Conference and the Grand Prize award was awarded to us! We competed in Category 3, which is between 5-30 million passengers a year and we took home the GRAND PRIZE for our educational TV Series "Going Places Together". We are already gearing up for next years AdWheel Awards, but for the moment, we hope you enjoy seeing our trophy as much as we do!

Everyone at APTA did a great job and it is always exciting to see what creative ideas come out of other transit marketing departments, click here to see a full list of the winners. See you next year!

Our Makeover!

2009-09-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Corpus Christi RTA has been undergoing a new branding campaign created by Morehead Dotts and Associates so far the new 40' Gillig buses have the new paint scheme (see picture below); new business cards have been ordered and we are currently working on designing our website to match.

Good things are happening at the RTA. We want to know your feedback on our new look.