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Transit system professionals applaud Rogue Valley Transit District, manager The Rogue Valley Transportation District was honored this week as the top transit system in the state by an industry group. The Oregon Transit Association also named RVTD General Manager Sherrin Coleman the top general manager in the state. RVTD earned the award because the agency has turned its service around in the past couple of years, said Cynthia Thompson, vice president of the association. "There are over 200 transit systems in Oregon," Thompson said. "It's quite an honor to be recognized." Thompson said RVTD was nominated for the award and a selection committee chose the winner. The award was given Tuesday at a conference in Seaside. Coleman said she was ecstatic about the recognition and noted that RVTD has never received it before. "It's exciting because down here in Southern Oregon it's almost like we're a stepchild," Coleman said. In a speech at the conference, Thompson noted the Rogue Valley district's turnaround, and praised RVTD for overcoming adversity, boosting ridership and improving public image. In 1996, RVTD fired its general manager and had nine drivers and seven managers. Now RVTD -- with the change of leadership and the help of a federal grant -- has cut back to three managers and has a total of 45 drivers. Thompson also praised the agency for its use of natural gas-powered buses. RVTD receives federal and state funds to provide public transportation in Jackson County. In addition to running buses from White City to Ashland, RVTD contracts with three cab companies to provide transportation for the disabled. On the Nov. 3 general election ballot, RVTD is seeking a five-year levy that would bring in an estimated $6.125 million. If the measure passes, the money would be used to pay for five high-frequency routes in Medford. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1998, Medford, Oregon USA