Everyone can ride buses for 25 cents all summer

Bus

RIVERSIDE – Who says a quarter doesn’t buy much nowadays?

This summer, anyone can ride the bus for just 25 cents.

With a quarter, customers can ride anywhere Riverside Transit Agency buses go, anytime they operate. The special rate is a great opportunity for customers, both new and frequent, to find an affordable way around town this summer. Whether it’s a trip to work, Disneyland, shopping or a friend’s house, a quarter is all you need

SUICIDE from page A-1

Military last October, 2022. In the report it states, “Prevention efforts focus on fostering quality of life, reducing stigma, and creating a culture of lethal means safety.” to ride RTA buses anywhere they go, anytime they operate through Wednesday, Aug. 30.

Lethal Means Safety (LMS) is an intentional, voluntary practice to reduce one’s suicide risk by limiting access to those lethal means. The DOD provides the data and efforts to address and prevent suicide across the DOD.

According to the report, in 2021, 519 active military service members died by suicide with young, enlisted males found to be at greatest risk. The Annual Report showed that the suicide rates for Active Component Service members have gradually increased since 2011, although the 2021 rate was lower than in 2020. Military Reserve and Guard suicide rates fluctuated year-to-year across 2011-2021, with no increasing or decreasing trend. Additionally, in CY 2020, the report found that 202 dependents died by suicide, including 133 spouses and 69 other dependents, and that firearms were the primary method of suicide death for both Service members and family members.

Total Veteran suicide data from the joint VA/DoD Mortality Data Repository (MDR) shows that for the most recent data available in 2020, there were 6,146 total suicides active and non-active, with 5870 of those being male veterans.

To pay, customers simply use the GoMobile app or drop a quarter in the farebox when they board.

RTA Chair Linda Molina said the quarter fares, which are made possible by a state grant to reduce emissions, will give customers more cash in their pockets when they arrive at their destinations.

“This is an exciting time to be a bus rider,” Molina said. “Instead

“Taking care of our people is a top priority of the Secretary of Defense and this report guides the Department as we seek to eliminate suicide across our military community,” said Elizabeth Foster, executive director, Office of Force Resiliency. “While it is encouraging to see the active component suicide rate decrease from 2020 to 2021, one such tragedy is too many, and we must redouble our efforts to prevent these deaths.

As Secretary Austin has emphasized, “Mental health is health, and so we must continue to work to break down barriers to help-seeking, address stigma, and build healthy climates and a culture of connection where all our Service members can thrive.”

Alongside the data, the report outlines the Department’s efforts in CY2021 to advance a comprehensive and integrated primary prevention approach to suicide prevention with a focus on 3 key areas – fostering a supportive environment and quality of life, addressing stigma as a barrier to help-seeking, and promoting a culture of lethal means safety.

The report outlined Department efforts to address harmful behaviors, including self-harm, that led to the establishment of a brand-new, dedicated and specialized prevention workforce designed to decrease the risk factors and increase certain protective factors at a community level to prevent suicide deaths.

Efforts also include the implementation of the On-Site Installation of spending money on gas, our customers are saving money every time they ride.” Not only are the quarter rides a great way to save money, they are also a great way to help the environment. In fact, thanks to RTA’s promotions over the past several months, which included 25-cent rides, reduced monthly passes and free rides on New Year’s Eve after 2 p.m. and Election Day, RTA buses have carried 3.4 million reduced-fare boardings, eliminated

Evaluations, which will assist with targeting our efforts and resources more effectively. The Department has developed plans and toolkits to promote lethal means safety, expand Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM), which provides training on the safe use and storage of firearms and medications, and address economic challenges and quality of life issues that can increase suicide risk.

19 million vehicle miles on the road and reduced the equivalent of seven thousand metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

“For every person riding the bus, there’s one less car on the road,” Molina said. “That means a lot for an agency that prides itself on being environmentally conscious and forward-thinking when it comes to cleaner, greener ways to travel.”

Besides the 25-cent fares, there’s plenty to like about riding the bus. With friendly drivers, comfortable

Finally, the Department increased community dialogue with the “Connect to Protect: Support is Within Reach” year-long communication campaign, Service member education on the availability and benefits of support resources, and continues to work with DoD partners to address stigma toward help-seeking and the perceived effect on security clearances.

“The Department remains com- net for All initiative will help reduce monthly Internet service costs, plan for future internet infrastructure investments, upgrade network equipment and purchase devices.

“Internet access is an essential tool – whether it’s accessing vital telemedicine, running a business, or finishing homework,” Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said. “The Biden Administration is closing the digital divide on Tribal lands, and this new funding will make an enormous difference in Tribal communities.”

Another important aspect of this unprecedented funding comes from Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information Alan Davidson.

“Tribal communities have a wealth of culture and knowledge to share with the world,” he said. “These grants will expand affordable and reliable high‐speed internet service for Tribal households across the U.S. This connectivity will help Tribes preserve traditions and fully participate in the modern digital economy.” seating, free Wi-Fi service and a safe environment, RTA buses offer a great alternative to driving alone. Plus, students from participating Go-Pass and U-Pass colleges –California Baptist University, La Sierra University, Moreno Valley College, Mt. San Jacinto Colleges, Norco College, Riverside City College and University of California Riverside – continue to ride free. mitted and focused on a comprehensive and integrated approach to suicide prevention in the military,” said Foster. “In 2021, we took concrete steps to support Service members and their families especially by fostering a supportive environment and quality of life, addressing stigma as a barrier to help-seeking, and promoting a culture of lethal means safety. We are continuing to expand those efforts in 2022.”

Submitted by Riverside Transit Agency.