Omnitrans Proposes Service and Fare Changes

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. (See fare table for details.) 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. 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. (See fare table for details.) 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.