Omnitrans Proposes Service and Fare Changes

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - March 12, 2014 - PRLog -- Omnitrans is proposing route and service changes along with a fare increase, the first since 2009, to take effect September 2, 2014. The proposals are part of a 6-year plan which includes additional changes between 2015—2020. To gather public comment, a series of meetings are scheduled between March 24 and 31.  (See meeting details below.)

The cost of a one-way bus trip would increase from $1.50 to $1.75 while the 1-day pass rate would rise from $4 to $5.  A 31-day pass would go from $47 to $55.  Discounted fares apply to persons with disabilities, seniors age 62 and up, and youth 18 and under.  Fare increases also are proposed for Access service which transports persons with disabilities who qualify under Americans with Disability Act (ADA) guidelines.

         September service change proposals affect bus routes in the east San Bernardino valley. “With the launch of the sbX bus rapid transit line this April, we have the opportunity to streamline several routes and enhance connectivity,” said Omnitrans spokesperson Wendy Williams. “To keep up with demand, we also want to increase weekend frequency on our Route 215 freeway express service, connecting downtown San Bernardino and Riverside, to every 30 minutes.”

Elimination of OmniLink general public dial-a-ride service operating in Chino Hills and Yucaipa is also up for consideration.  Trips taken on OmniLink have steadily declined since the implementation of OmniGo community shuttle routes in those cities in 2010. In fiscal year 2009-10, OmniLink provided over 45,000 trips compared to only about 18,500 last year.

“Most of our OmniLink customers are within walking distance of an OmniGo route,” explained Williams, “and those with disabilities who are ADA-eligible can switch to using Access service.”

The “OmniConnects” six-year plan proposes service enhancements in the west San Bernardino valley beginning in September 2015 and two additional fare increases in 2016 and 2018.  West valley long-term proposals include a new rapid transit line to run from Pomona to Fontana along the Holt, Milliken and Foothill corridors as well as options for freeway express routes.

Details and fare tables are available online at: http://www.omnitrans.org/blog/2014/03/07/customer-input-w...

Public Hearing Schedule:
SAN BERNARDINO: Monday, March 24

10 am – 2 pm, Feldheym Library, 555 W. Sixth St.

3:30 – 6 pm. San Bernardino Transfer Ctr., 4th & F St.

CHINO: Tuesday, March 25

9 am – Noon, City Hall, 13220 Central Ave.

2 – 6 pm, Chino Transit Center

REDLANDS: Wednesday, March 26

1 – 3 pm, Redlands Mall Transfer Center

5 – 8 pm, City Hall, 35 Cajon St.

FONTANA: Thursday, March 27

7 – 10 am, Metrolink Station, 16777 Orange Way

RANCHO CUCAMONGA: Thurs., March 27

1 – 3 pm, Chaffey College Transit Ctr., 5885 Haven Ave.

ONTARIO: Thursday, March 27

5 – 8 pm, Senior Center, 225 East B Street

MONTCLAIR: Monday, March 31

9 am – Noon, Montclair Transit Ctr., 5091 Richton Rd.

YUCAIPA: Monday, March 31

2:30 – 6:30 pm, Yucaipa Transit Ctr., 34278 Yucaipa Blvd.

         Comments may also be submitted by phone at 909-379-7250, email: tembi.morales@omnitrans.org  or mail to Omnitrans, 1700 West Fifth Street, San Bernardino, CA  92411.  The comment period closes April 7, 2014.