Category Archives: Events

Donate to the Spark of Love Toy Drive 2018

Posted on November 19, 2018 by | Leave a comment

Help brighten the holidays for underserved youth throughout our local community by donating a toy to the 2018 Spark of Love Toy Drive on Friday, November 30, 2018!

Join Omnitrans, ABC7, and Southern California Firefighters for Stuff-A-Bus at Mathis Brothers Furniture, located at 4105 Inland Empire Blvd, Ontario, CA 91764, from 5 a.m.-6 p.m. Each year, community members and organizations stuff buses with new, unwrapped toy donations, each gift sure to put a smile on the face of a child in need in the Inland Empire.

Omnitrans staff and San Bernardino County firefighters load buses with toy donations. When the event ends, the buses transport all toys to a local warehouse, where they are distributed to kids and youth within our community. This will be Omnitrans’ 12th year  participating in the Stuff-A-Bus toy drive!

In 2017, over 10 buses were filled with toys as Spark of Love supporters donated generously and enjoyed music and food. Attendees also had the opportunity to meet their favorite ABC news reporters, take a close-up look at the ABC7 news-copter, City of Ontario firetrucks and SWAT vehicles, and even greet Santa Claus!

Click here for photos of Stuff-A-Bus 2017.

If you would like to donate to the toy drive, but are unable to attend Stuff-A-Bus, you still have the opportunity to give. Donations may be dropped off at Omnitrans headquarters in San Bernardino through Thursday, November 29th.

Because there tend to be fewer donations for teens, suggested donation items include watches, jewelry, cameras, sunglasses, earphones, cellphone cases, skateboards, basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, purses/bags, blow dryers, and flat irons.

Toy donations may also be dropped off at any local fire station in San Bernardino County, and money gifts toward the cause also may be made online. All money raised will go toward toy or sports equipment purchases for underserved children. Click here to donate online!

Omnitrans is located at 1700 W. Fifth Street San Bernardino, CA 92411. For office hours of operation to the public please click here.

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Celebrating local art and community at the 3rd Annual SBTC Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest

Posted on October 23, 2018 by | Leave a comment

Over 100 community members, artists, and transit-riders gathered at the San Bernardino Transit Center on Saturday, October 20, 2018 for a visual experience that took spectators “around the world” at the 3rd Annual SBTC Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest.

Twenty-three artists showcased their talents at the transit center this year, adorning the concrete sidewalks with chalk works of art reflecting the theme – A Trip Around the World.

“Since last year’s contest, the San Bernardino Transit Center has welcomed Metrolink and a Riverside Transit Agency connection to improve connectivity for San Bernardino area residents,” said Omnitrans Marketing Manager Nicole Ramos. “These partnerships with neighboring transit agencies open up the possibilities for travel destinations and experiences beyond the San Bernardino County region, and we wanted to integrate the transit center’s growth as a transportation hub in this year’s celebration.”

Contestants competed individually, and in teams of two or three, while kids enjoyed a free painting class by The Art Barn of Cherry Valley. HOT 103.9’s DJ Jeff Pope kept the crowd entertained with an interactive prize wheel, unique raffles, and the latest hits, of course!

After two hours of arduous handwork, three judges from the local arts community – including the City of San Bernardino Fine Arts Commission and San Bernardino County Arts Connection – came together to deliberate and choose the top three winners, which was no easy task.

3rd Place Winners

3rd Place: Rachael B. and Ashley J., winners of $100. The duo’s art featured an exquisitely-drawn hot air balloon revolving around a bird’s-eye view of the world. The “envelope” exterior of the balloon included several international flags.

2nd Place Winner

2nd Place: Vivian L., winner of $150. Vivian’s creation featured a vibrant, colorful drawing of the Earth as the focal point, with excellent chalk handwriting and a decorative paper plane in flight accentuating her design.

1st Place: Isaac R., winner of the grand prize of $300. A two-time contest winner (Isaac previously took home the top prize at the inaugural event in 2016), Isaac’s impressive masterpiece featured four skillfully contoured and blended profiles of cultural icons around the world including: A Renaissance sculpture, a Japanese samurai, the Day of the Dead “Calavera Catrina”, and Buddha.

“We love showcasing the talents of local artists and seeing the transit center serve as a community gathering place along with being a busy regional transportation hub,” said Omnitrans spokesperson Wendy Williams.

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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3rd Annual SBTC Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest Is Back with Free Kids Painting Class!

Posted on September 20, 2018 by | Leave a comment

Help us celebrate the third anniversary of the San Bernardino Transit Center at the annual SBTC Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest! The contest, themed “A Trip Around the World,” will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2018 on the concrete floors of the San Bernardino Transit Center.

This community celebration will feature live music broadcast by Hot 103.9, refreshments, and – new this year – a FREE painting class for children ages 7-13! Prize raffles and promotional giveaways will round out the day.

We hope to see new and familiar faces at this year’s event! The new kids painting class will be strictly for children ages 7-13, starts at 9:30 a.m. and lasts one hour. This class will be taught by one and only, Susan from Cherry Valley’s The Art Barn.

Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest
With only 30 spaces available for the Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest, creativity and connecting to the theme will get you one step closer to the grand prize!

This year’s theme opens up a world of opportunities for art. Where would you ride the bus to if you could ride anywhere in the world? The Taj Mahal or the Eiffel Tower? The colors and sights in Thailand or Mexico? The world is your oyster!

Be sure to start grab your passport and start brainstorming your interpretation of “A Trip Around the World”. Let your creativity shine for a chance to win the grand prize – a $300 Visa gift card, $150 Visa gift card for second place, or $100 Visa gift card for third place. All gift card prizes will be awarded in the Adult division for participants 14 and older. However, all participants 13 and under will receive a movie ticket just for participating!

Be sure to check out our Official Rules to familiarize yourself with guidelines and regulations.

Event Schedule
Artist Check-In: 8:30 a.m.
Chalk Art Contest: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Kids Painting Class: 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Chalk Art Contest Judging Period: 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Winners announced: 11:30 a.m.

In addition, all event participants and spectators will receive a free Omnitrans refillable water bottle to take home along with other goodies! Please note: Refillable water bottles and promotional item giveaways are available while supplies last.

Start packing your brain with ideas for your “Trip Around the World”. Omnitrans is rooting for you!

Be sure to check out the newly landscaped grounds at the transit center, which has become a well-recognized resource and community space for San Bernardino since opening in 2015. The San Bernardino Transit Center is located at 599 Rialto Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92410.

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

Posted on June 6, 2018 by | 5 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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