Bus stops will be added and routes updated across western Riverside County if the Riverside Transit Agency goes ahead with its long-term plan.

A big impact likely will be felt in downtown Riverside. Operations now at the main terminal on Fairmount Boulevard would move to a new station across the 91 on Vine Street. And many transfers would take place at regular stops along routes.

The agency serves about 2,500 square miles in western Riverside County, from the Banning/Beaumont area to Corona and south to Temecula.

RTA’s 10-year plan, now out for public review, aims to offer more frequent buses, later hours, shorter travel times and better timing of transfers, spokesman Brad Weaver said.

It grew out of a comprehensive study and moves away from a “hub and spoke” system, in which most routes pass through a central station where transfers take place. The new system would be a “grid” model that offers transfers on the street.

“Virtually every route will be affected,” with some routes being combined or eliminated, and others getting more or later buses and upgraded or new stops in many places, Weaver said.

Since opening in 1983, the downtown Riverside station has outgrown the space because of growing numbers of buses and passengers, Weaver said.

For years, city officials have wanted to move transit operations, including RTA and the adjacent Greyhound terminal, to a Vine street site by the Metrolink station so all transit options would be in one place, said City Councilman Mike Gardner, who represents downtown.

Gardner said the little feedback he has heard so far, mostly from UC Riverside students who want buses to run later, has been good.

RTA officials already have fielded complaints as well.

Warren Cornelius, who lives in a senior apartment complex near Indiana Avenue and Monroe Street in Riverside, said he was upset by plans to eliminate the No. 14 route that goes by his apartment.

He and neighbors often take the bus to medical appointments, and some couldn’t walk to the next-closest stop, he said.

Weaver said officials decided not to scrap the service after hearing his concerns.

Cornelius also said when he stops at the downtown terminal, he can go somewhere nearby that offers air conditioning and a cold drink while he waits for a transfer.

“If they put me over on Vine Street, I don’t know what I’m going to do,” Cornelius said.

A new Vine Street station may be some time coming. The city owns the property, but Gardner said officials need federal approval to move the station.

Federal Transit Administration dollars built the Fairmount facility, so the city would have to pay the money back if it’s used as something other than a bus station.

Gardner indicated that the Vine Street site is of about the same value as the Fairmount site, so the city will offer it as a trade.

RTA officials are seeking input on the 10-year plan, with its board expected to vote in December.

Brochures about the plan are available on buses, or the plan also can be viewed at www.riverside

transit.com.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9461 or arobinson@pe.com