Category Archives: Events

Celebrate National Dump the Pump Day 2018 with Transit & Donuts!

Posted on June 6, 2018 by | 2 comments

The time has come to dump the pump, leave your car at home, and TRY TRANSIT! Join the rest of the country on Thursday, June 21, 2018 and participate in the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) 13th annual Dump the Pump Day.

The 2018 National Dump the Pump Day encourages you to ride public transportation instead of driving a car. Inspired by high gas prices in June 2006, this national day emphasizes that public transportation is a convenient travel option that also saves you money and can benefit your health and the environment.

According to the May APTA Transit Savings Report​​​, individuals in a two-person household can save an average of more than $10,134 annually by taking public transportation and downsizing to one car.

Join the Party!
Omnitrans will be at the San Bernardino Transit Center from 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. that day with Krispy Kreme donuts and freshly-brewed Starbucks coffee (one per rider) for all with a valid transit pass who dump the pump on that day. Passes from regional connecting transit agencies will be accepted, including RTA, Mountain Transit, VVTA, Pass Transit, and Metrolink.

Get your breakfast, spin the prize wheel for a chance to win bus passes, and hang out with Omnitrans while reducing your carbon footprint!

Try Transit! Get Your Bus Pass for Dump the Pump 2018
Paper passes are available for sale at our main office in San Bernardino, various retailers, and at the Omnitrans eStore! Or, go paperless and get a digital bus pass on your smartphone using Token Transit. Discounts are available for seniors, persons with disabilities, Medicare recipients, youth, and veterans.

The San Bernardino Transit Center is located at 599 W. Rialto Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92401.

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Shift to a Better Commute During Bike to Work Week 2018!

Posted on May 10, 2018 by | Leave a comment

Pedal past traffic while you burn calories, get fit, and forget about the high cost of driving.

From Monday, May 14 to Friday, May 18, 2018, Omnitrans is joining the Bike to Work Week celebration to promote an alternative commute combining bicycling and riding the bus!

Whether you regularly ride your bike to the bus stop, or are trying it out for the first time, we invite you to participate in Bike to Work Week 2018 and enter our #RideOmni social media photo contest for a chance to win one of three prizes!

Here is how to enter:

  • Commute by bike and bus during Bike to Work Week and snap a photo, or video, of it. Images can be of you on your bike at a bus stop, your bike onboard sbX or on the local bus bike racks, at an Omnitrans transit center, etc.
  • Use the hashtag #RideOmni, so that we can capture your entry and consider it in our judging. Only entries posted during Bike to Work Week dates will be considered.
  • Tag @Omnitrans on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram – all three platforms will be tracked during this contest.
  • GET CREATIVE! The three most captivating and unique posts (as determined by Omnitrans Marketing staff) will be selected to win one of three prizes. Winners will be contacted directly the following week.

First place receives a $50 gift card to Don’s Bicycles (locations in Rialto and Redlands) for all of your bicycling needs and repairs. Second place receives two Regal Cinemas movie tickets (valued at $30), and third place wins a $20 gift card to Buffalo Wild Wings. All prizes include a 7-day Omnitrans bus pass!

Stop by the Omnitrans bike Pit Stops on Thursday, May 17!

Additionally, Omnitrans team members will have two Pit Stops located at the Montclair Transit Center and at the San Bernardino Transit Center from 6:30 a.m.- 9 a.m. We will have a special giveaway for our bike riders, and information on riding the bus with your bike. We can even help you enter the photo contest!

Omnitrans vehicles can accommodate 2-3 bicycles on secure exterior bike racks. sbX allows up to 4 bicycles inside the bus. For more details on riding with your bike, please visit Omnitrans.org. If your bike needs a tune up, the Bike Hubitat operated by IEBA at the San Bernardino Transit Center offers low cost bike maintenance every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 3-6 p.m.

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Public meetings scheduled for proposed route changes in 2018-2019

Posted on March 8, 2018 by | Leave a comment

Para información en español, por favor haga clic aquí.

Omnitrans has proposed routing and scheduling modifications to several routes later in 2018 and 2019. Because these changes impact you, our route planning team will be holding public meetings in April to obtain your valuable feedback.

Up for discussion are a wide spectrum of proposals including:

  • Adding Saturday service on sbX in San Bernardino and Loma Linda with a corresponding reduction on local Route 2 weekend service
  • Modifying Route 14 service in Downtown San Bernardino to reduce duplication, improve transfer connections, and improve on-time performance
  • Extending Route 83 service in Upland to include a loop to better serve the Colonies Crossroads
  • Rerouting Route 86 service in Ontario to serve Bon View Avenue including the Dorothy A Quesada Community Center and Baldy View Regional Occupation Program (Baldy View ROP) instead of Campus Avenue between Francis Avenue and Mission Avenue
  • Eliminating the regular acceptance of pennies as a form of payment on board
  • Adding the ability to purchase 10-packs of single-ride fares on the mobile payment platform

Click here for details and maps.

These proposed changes are part of Omnitrans’ continuous efforts to meet the needs and priorities of our passengers and evolve as our communities grow. Additionally, Omnitrans is seeking funds to install racks that hold three bikes instead of two on all of our buses, as well as secure bicycle parking at transit centers. Tell us what you think!

Your participation is encouraged at any of these public meetings:

San Bernardino
Saturday, April 7, 2018 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
San Bernardino Transit Center
599 W. Rialto Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92401

Monday, April 9, 2018 from 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
Omnitrans East Valley Facility
1700 W. 5th Street, San Bernardino, CA 92411

Tuesday, April 10, 2018 from 6 a.m.-10 a.m.
San Bernardino Transit Center
599 W. Rialto Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92401

Ontario
Thursday, April 12, 2018 from 6 a.m.-10 a.m.
Ontario Civic Center Transfer Station
Holt Blvd. & Lemon Ave. (one block east of Euclid Ave.)

Thursday, April 12, from 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
Dorothy A. Quesada Community Center
1010 S. Bon View Avenue, Ontario, CA 91761

If you are unable to attend our public meetings, you may submit your comments via e-mail to planning@omnitrans.org or by phone at 909-379-7150 through Monday, April 16, 2018.

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Omnitrans and Women’s Transportation Seminar Host Classroom to Career Day

Posted on February 21, 2018 by | Leave a comment

For many, the first thing that comes to mind when we think of the Girl Scouts will inevitably be “cookies!” However, Girl Scouts does so much more than that, and is laying the groundwork for young girls to develop the courage, confidence, and character to make the world a better place.

Omnitrans had the privilege to contribute to this mission, and partnered with the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio, the Women’s Transportation Seminar of the Inland Empire (WTS-IE), San Bernardino County Transportation Authority, and Metrolink to host the Classroom to Career event for over 100 girls from throughout San Bernardino County on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 during National Engineers Week.

Omnitrans Marketing Specialist Janice Kuhn explains the importance of our transit center info kiosks to students.

“It is more important now than ever to expose younger girls to careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Education, and Math).  They are thirsty for knowledge about potential careers in transportation and other STEM fields.”  said Lisa Reece, Vice President, HDR and WTS-IE Chapter Advisor.

The day began at the downtown San Bernardino Transit Center where a few of the women of Omnitrans working in various roles ranging from finance and marketing, to route planning and scheduling, to bus maintenance, provided a tour of the facility to the students, which concluded with a Metrolink train ride from the transit center to the nearby Santa Fe Depot.

Once at the depot, the girls learned about the importance of our transportation network and its history by touring the Rail Museum. The group participated in hands-on activities that stimulated their minds to envision what the future of transportation may look like.

Students work on one of their STEM activities, designing their own roads using various materials.

Professional women from various facets of the transportation industry shared their job functions and career paths, inspiring the girls to think about a career that they may also choose to pursue in the future.

“Omnitrans is committed to being a positive and impactful part of the community,” said Omnitrans Marketing Manager Nicole Ramos. “It was great to partner with like organizations to meet the professionals of tomorrow and illustrate the opportunities transit careers offer.”

For photos of the event, click here to view album.

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Donate to the Spark of Love Toy Drive 2017

Posted on November 13, 2017 by | Leave a comment

Spread some holiday cheer this season! Join Omnitrans, ABC7 and Southern California Firefighters and give to the Spark of Love Toy Drive.

Every child deserves to wake up with a smile on their face this holiday season, and you can help make that happen for under-served children in our local community on Friday, December 8, 2017 at the Stuff-A-Bus extravaganza! Omnitrans buses will be ready to get “stuffed” with new, unwrapped toy donations at Mathis Brothers Furniture, located at 4105 Inland Empire Blvd, Ontario, CA 91764, from 5 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Last year, our community came together and stuffed over 10 buses with toys for little ones throughout San Bernardino County. In addition to supporting a wonderful cause, you’ll also enjoy music, treats, take a close-up look at the ABC7 news copter, and say hello to Santa at the event!

Unable to attend Stuff-A-Bus? We will be collecting toy drop-offs through Thursday, December 7th at our main office lobby in San Bernardino, and at the San Bernardino Transit Center.

You may also stop by any local fire station to drop off your toy, or donate monetarily online. All proceeds will go to buying toys or sports equipment for the children. Click here to donate online!

Omnitrans is located at 1700 W. Fifth Street San Bernardino, CA 92411. The San Bernardino Transit Center is located at 599 W. Rialto Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92401. For hours of operation please click here.

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Celebrating art and community at the San Bernardino Transit Center

Posted on October 19, 2017 by | 1 comment

Over 100 people came together at the San Bernardino Transit Center on Saturday, October 14, 2017 for a day of art and community fun (and snowcones!) at the 2nd Annual SBTC Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest.

Chalk art interpretations of this year’s “Connecting Our Community” theme by 15 entrants(including two groups of three and two couples) adorned the sidewalks of the transit center as spectators enjoyed a live music performance by Jose Banuelos, courtesy of the San Bernardino Teen Music Workshop, and refreshments by Kona Ice.

Four judges from the local arts community (including the City of San Bernardino Fine Arts Commission, Arts Connection, The Arts Council of San Bernardino County, and The Art Institute of California—Inland Empire) came together and chose the three winners, which was admittedly no easy task! After much deliberation, the three winners chosen were:

  • 3rd Place: Alicia Rubios, winner of $100, whose art showed how people connect through music.
  • 2nd Place: Dana Devereaux and David Mir, winners of $150, whose impressive art featured a man and a woman talking on the phone. The image of the world and various countries’ flags between the two individuals signified the distance between them and the importance of connecting with others, no matter how near or far.
  • 1st Place: Arlette Ramirez, winner of $300, created a colorful chalk art homage to Omnitrans. She drew our mascot, Buster the Bus, greeting passengers at one of our bus stops and handing out balloons to symbolize the welcoming and friendly Omnitrans riding experience.

Our first place, second place. and third place winners.

“We are pleased that the sidewalk chalk art contest has become a true community event, combining local art talent and community partnerships at our regional transit center,” said Omnitrans spokesperson Wendy Williams. “There are some exciting things coming to the transit center in the following months, including Metrolink extended service and a Riverside Transit Agency connection, and we look forward to integrating the transit center’s growth into next year’s contest.”

View more photos of the event on Flickr. Keep an eye out for information on next year’s event – we’d love to see your art grace the competition!

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Compete in the 2nd Annual SBTC Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest!

Posted on September 19, 2017 by | Leave a comment

For two years now, not only has the San Bernardino Transit Center averaged 5,000 daily trips, it also has become a point of pride for Omnitrans and a true community space.  This year, we are celebrating the center’s growth and momentum with the 2nd Annual SBTC Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest!

Join us on Saturday, October 14th at the SBTC for a day of fun, art, and community! There will be live music, giveaways, refreshments, and a “Connecting our Community” sidewalk chalk art themed contest. We invite you – no matter your artistic skill level – to participate and express your interpretation of “community” with an impressive chalk creation!

$300, $150, and $100 Visa gift cards will be awarded to the first, second, and third place winners in our Adult category (14 and older). All kids 13 and under are welcome to participate, and will receive a movie ticket as a prize just for entering!

REGISTER TO COMPETE TODAY!
Please use our online Registration Form to reserve your spot in the contest. We only have space for 30 entrants, so the sooner you sign up, the better. More details and contest rules can be found on the Official Rules page.

Our 2016 winners!

The event begins at 8:30 a.m. for registration. We will provide chalk for those 13 and under. Adults (14+) should supply their own chalk. The contest will be from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., and winners will be announced shortly after a brief judging period.

In addition, all event attendees and contestants will receive a FREE Omnitrans item to take home along with other giveaways and information.

Think you have what it takes to snag the top prize? We’ll see you at the SBTC!

The San Bernardino Transit Center is located at 599 W Rialto Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92410.

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Visit Buster and Old Blue at the Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion! Plus, Event Route Detours

Posted on September 11, 2017 by | Leave a comment

Come hang with us this weekend in Downtown Ontario! Team Omnitrans will be back at this year’s Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion Friday-Sunday with Buster the Bus and Old Blue, our 1958 vintage GMC transit coach. Take a selfie with Buster and step inside for a throwback experience in our classic bus!

Omnitrans will be located at Euclid Ave. and B Street. The free, family-friendly event encompasses a large stretch of Downtown Ontario’s historic Euclid Avenue as the center of vintage automobiles and motorcycles, and a wide range of food and entertainment.  See you there!

EVENT DATES AND TIMES
Friday, September 15, 2017 – 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday, September 16, 2017 – 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday, September 17, 2017 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

BUS DETOUR INFORMATION
Detours for Routes 83 and 86 will be in effect during this event, along with several stop closures. See below for details.

Route 83
Northbound from Holt:

  • Left on Campus
  • Left on 4th
  • Right on Euclid, resume regular route

Southbound from 4th/Euclid:

  • Left on 4th
  • Right on Campus
  • Right on Holt
  • Left on Euclid, resume regular route

Route 86
Northbound from Holt/Campus:

  • Continue north on Campus
  • Right on 4th, resume regular route

Southbound from Campus/D Street:

  • Continue south on Campus, resume regular route

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Community input wanted for future service planning

Posted on June 5, 2017 by | 1 comment

To develop service that meets your wants, needs, and priorities, Omnitrans will be holding two rounds of public meetings this month. This is a component of the Omnitrans Short-Range Transit Plan (SRTP), which sets policies related to bus routes, hours of service, frequency, types of service, fares and bus stop amenities for 2019-2025.

In this round of meetings, we invite you to our listening sessions to learn what the communities we serve desire in their transit provider. A second round of meetings will be held in spring 2018 to discuss proposed changes based on the comments the public provides in these meetings.

We look forward to seeing you and taking your constructive feedback! The schedule for the listening session meetings is as follows:

MONDAY, JUNE 19, 2017
San Bernardino
6 a.m. – 9 a.m. at San Bernardino Transit Center
599 W. Rialto Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92401

Redlands
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Redlands Mall Transfer Center
100 Redlands Mall, Redlands 92373

Highland
2 p.m. – 4 p.m. in Highland
Highland & Boulder Bus Stop, Highland, CA 92346

San Bernardino
5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Omnitrans East Valley Office
1700 W. Fifth Street, San Bernardino, CA 92411

TUESDAY, JUNE 20, 2017
Montclair
6 a.m. – 9 a.m. at Montclair Transit Center
5091 Richton Street, Montclair, CA 91763

Rancho Cucamonga
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Chaffey College Transit Center
5885 Haven Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91737

Chino
2 p.m. – 5 p.m. at Chino Transit Center
6th st. & Chino Ave, Chino, CA 91710

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2017
Fontana
6 a.m. – 9 a.m. at Fontana Transit Center
Sierra Ave & Orange Way, Fontana, CA 92335

Colton
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Transfer Center
400 N Pepper Ave, Colton, CA 92324

Ontario
4 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Ontario Senior Center
225 East B St, Ontario, CA 91764

THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017
Ontario
6 a.m. -9 a.m. at Ontario Civic Center Transfer Center
Euclid  Ave. and Holt Blvd., Ontario, CA 91762

Ontario
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Ontario Mills Transfer Center
1 Mills Cir, Ontario, CA 91764

Montclair
4 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Montclair Transit Center
5091 Richton Street, Montclair, CA 91763

FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2017
San Bernardino
1 p.m. – 5 p.m. at San Bernardino Transit Center
599 W. Rialto Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92401

MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2017
Chino
6 a.m. – 9 a.m. at Chino Transit Center
6th st. & Chino Ave, Chino, CA 91710

Yucaipa
4 p.m – 7 p.m. at Yucaipa Transit Center
5th St. & Yucaipa Blvd., Yucaipa, CA 92399

TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2017
San Bernardino
7 a.m. – 10 a.m. at San Bernardino Transit Center
599 W. Rialto Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92401

Rialto
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in Rialto
Foothill & Riverside Bus Stop, Rialto, CA 92376

Fontana
3 p.m. – 6 p.m. at Fontana Transit Center
Sierra Ave & Orange Way, Fontana, CA 92335

If you are unable to attend any of our public meetings, you may submit your comments via e-mail to tembi.tovar@omnitrans.org or by phone at 909-379-7150.

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Celebrate Bike Month with IE Biking Alliance Community Ride, Plus, Bike Hubitat Service Expands to Weekends!

Posted on May 18, 2017 by | Leave a comment

Omnitrans and the Inland Empire Biking Alliance invite the community to celebrate Bike to Work Day with a “Try Your Bike” ride on Wednesday, May 24. The 9:00 a.m. ride is part of National Bike Month, an annual event designed to encourage people to experience the health, financial and environmental advantages of bicycling.

“It’s well known that using public transit benefits environmental, economic, and physical health,” said Omnitrans spokesperson Wendy Williams. “Biking to transit only enhances those benefits, and we’re pleased to partner with IEBA to introduce the community to the advantages of alternative commuting.”

The “Try Your Bike” ride will begin at the Caltrans office in San Bernardino, located at 464 West 4th St. It will travel a prescribed route around the downtown area, and will stop at the San Bernardino Transit Center at 599 W. Rialto Ave. for information on transit connections, refreshments, and a special FREE gift!

The San Bernardino Transit Center is home to the Bike Hubitat for cyclists, which offers consultation with IEBA volunteers and low-cost repair supplies on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. The Hubitat has been a popular success with riders that it will be extending its hours beginning in May, serving customers on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Also in celebration of National Bike Month, Omnitrans is sponsoring a photo contest. Anytime during the month of May, participants simply can take a selfie of themselves with their bike, including the hashtag #BikeNBus, to be eligible for gift card prizes.

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