Omnitrans Proposes Fare Policy Changes

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - March 12, 2013 - PRLog -- (San Bernardino, CA)—Omnitrans will hold current bus fares steady but is proposing three fare policy changes which would take effect in July. To gather public comment, a meeting is set for Tuesday, March 19th from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm at Omnitrans headquarters at 1700 West Fifth Street in San Bernardino.

Proposed changes:
1. A reclassification of the Student Pass to a Youth Pass category, limited to persons 18 and under.
2. A simplified definition of the Go Smart fare program.
3. The elimination of the ADA Access Subscription fare category. Persons with recurring “subscription” trips will pay the regular cash fare.

Currently, Omnitrans offers a discounted 7-day and 31- day student bus pass for any student from kindergarten through college, regardless of age. The proposed youth pass will be capped at age 18 to cover K-12 students, mirroring the policy of neighboring transit agencies.

“With the option for local colleges and trade schools to participate in the Go Smart program, we felt the time was right to make the change,” said Omnitrans spokesperson Wendy Williams.

Currently, students at Chaffey, Crafton Hills, and San Bernardino Valley Colleges and The Art Institute of California—Inland Empire participate in Go Smart program which provides unlimited rides with a valid student ID card. Student fees pay for the program. Over 1.5 million Go Smart trips are projected for the 2012-13 school year. The new proposed Go Smart program definition is: “The Go Smart fare is a pre-negotiated fare for all riders that attend a partner University, College, Trade/Technical School, or High School, or work at a partner employer. Participants must have an active, valid Omnitrans-compatible photo ID card for fare.”

On Omnitrans’ Access service, the little-used subscription fare, which provides a monthly pass to users with recurring daily trips, will be eliminated. Customers can still book recurring “subscription” trips, subject to availability, and pay the regular Access cash fare.

Comments may also be submitted by phone at 909-379-7250, online at http://www.omnitrans.org or by mail to Omnitrans, 1700 West Fifth Street, San Bernardino, CA 92411. The comment period closes March 26, 2013. Proposals will be presented to the Omnitrans Board of Directors on May 1.