Category Archives: Rider Profile

One year plus on the bus

Posted on June 18, 2013 by | Leave a comment

I travel Route 22 almost every day. Since I’m a freelance writer, I like to take the bus down Riverside Drive in Rialto to the local Starbucks, which I call “my office,” to write. And what’s so nice about taking the same bus a lot is getting to know the drivers and some of the other passengers. Plus, I get to relax when I travel. No more honking at the driver in front of you because he doesn’t move when the light turns green, or shaking a fist at the driver who turns in front of you. I just relax and let the bus driver handle it! 

Since March 2012, I’ve been riding Omnitrans all over the Inland Empire and sometimes connecting to Foothill transit or Metro into the San Gabriel Valley.  Although I gave up my car unwillingly–thanks to an early morning drive on the 210 freeway in which sleepiness and the center divider got the better of the me–I’ve learned that, not only can I get wherever I need to go on the bus, but I enjoy it!

There are three drivers on that route whom I’ve talked to a bit, and they are always so pleasant.  Pete always greets me with a ‘hello’.  I haven’t been bold enough to ask the names of the other two, but we do joke around a little when I get on or off.  It’s nice to see an amiable face when I travel.  I always try to smile and say hello so that just maybe I can bring a little brightness to their day.

I know from personal observation that the Omnitrans drivers have an often stressful job dealing with the public.  I’ve seen a few situations where the driver is asked a question while they are driving, and they can’t answer fully because they have to pay attention to maneuvering that big bus in traffic.  Passengers don’t always understand, and some can get a bit offended.  But I’ve never seen a driver lose his or her cool.  They’ve always acted with tact and professionalism.

A few times in the last year I’ve had to range a bit farther afield in my bus travels.  It can be nerve-racking when you’ve never been somewhere before, and you’re not sure which way the bus goes, what times it arrives or leaves, or at which stop to get off.  But I’ve got the Omnitrans phone number stored in my call-list on my cell phone, and the agents always answer promptly and can direct me where I need to go.  The online maps and schedules have helped a lot too when I’ve had time to plan my trip ahead.

What I really like is the NexTrip information.  It’s nice to know when I have time to take out my glasses and read at the stop before the bus comes, and when I have to put them away to get out my bus pass!  Plus, before NexTrip started, I had many times when I’d leave my house for the bus stop, and either just miss it or get there way too early.  Now I can check NexTrip online before I leave so that I know exactly when to leave to catch the next bus.  So far, it’s always been extremely accurate.

I highly recommend Omnitrans.  It’s a great way to travel!

- Lynette Ranger, Omnitrans Passenger
lynetteranger@ramblingranger.com

Do you like this story and want to use it for your blog or newsletter? All our stories may be freely re-posted and shared with others!

Do you have a great Omnitrans story to share? Let us know!
Email juno.carlson@omnitrans.org

→ Leave a comment

Posted in NexTrip, Rider Profile

Tagged , , , ,

LLU Employee loves public transit

Posted on June 17, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Carmen Fernandez at the May 2 Loma Linda University Employee Benefits Fair

Carmen Fernandez can’t wait for the start of passenger service of the first sbX corridor, so she can have lunch more with her sister.

The Colton resident, a nine-year photographer for Educational Support Services at Loma Linda University’s School of Dentistry, currently uses Omnitrans Route 2 once a week to meet her sibling, who works at Sam’s Club in San Bernardino near the popular rows of restaurants on Harriman Place and Hospitality Lane.

She also takes routes 8 and 9 to visit her parents and get to her acupuncture therapy sessions in Redlands; and routes 19 and 325 to get between home and work. She has a car but chooses to use public transit because she shares the car with her daughter, a boxer who trains at a gym in Reche Canyon.

“I choose to do it,” Fernandez said of bus riding. “Three miles is a little too far to walk, and I could park free in two of the lots. It’s convenient, so why not?”

She also takes advantage of her employer’s rideshare incentive, which allows her to purchase a $47 monthly pass for $22.

Carmen, a native of Jalapa, Veracruz, Mexico, sees bus service with Omnitrans as less frequent but more reliable. “I consider bus riding a game, which makes it fun for me,” she said, “especially with NexTrip. It’s more precise than relying on the Bus Book. That makes it fun. I think most people who don’t use the bus think it’s boring. The drivers who know me stop if they see me and I’m running a little behind. It’s exciting.”

–David Rutherford
david.rutherford@omnitrans.org

Do you like this story and want to use it for your blog or newsletter? All our stories may be freely re-posted and shared with others!

Visit Omnitrans sbX on Facebook
http://facebook.com/omnitrans.sbx

→ Leave a comment

Posted in NexTrip, Rider Profile, sbx bus rapid transit

Tagged , , , , ,

Omnitrans helps me be spontaneous

Posted on June 13, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Spontaneity, that ability to go somewhere at a moment’s notice just because we feel like it, is something most of us take for granted. But for Omnitrans passengers like Therese Allen, it provides a treasured feeling of independence in a world where she relies on caregivers for many of her needs.

“Because of my situation, it’s a little challenging to travel,” says the Loma Linda resident. “I seldom have the opportunity to go out with other  people  because I’m not often asked. With Omnitrans, I’m able to be spontaneous like everyone else. If I wake up and feel like taking a short trip that day, I can do it. At least once a month, I treat myself to a bus ride to get a haircut or do a little shopping at the mall.”

When she was 14-years-old, Therese suffered a spinal cord injury in a car accident which left her completely paralyzed except for limited use of her left hand. The shy daddy’s girl had to adjust to life in a wheelchair and learn to speak up. “If you’re in a wheelchair and need to push an elevator button or pick a pencil off the floor, you better get comfortable talking to strangers fast or you’ll be waiting around a long time,” laughs Therese.

An avid hockey fan, she credits one of her favorite teams with helping her adjust after the accident.  “One of my nurses found out that I was a huge Portland Buckaroos fan and arranged for one of the players to visit me. It was amazing. I attended their games every Saturday and Sunday, and they really took me under their wing. They did so much for me. I was a teenager whose life had been turned upside down, and I had no idea where I would fit in. But they completely accepted me for who I am. Sports figures can be such inspiring role models to kids and have a positive impact on their lives. Now when I see teams like the LA Kings go out and visit kids, I hope they know what a world of difference it makes.”

Now 55, Therese has a great sense of humor and feels very comfortable in her own skin. She lives with her very independent cat, Gracie and spends much of her time reading on her Kindle or surfing her computer with help from Dragon dictation software. Photos of her beloved LA Kings hockey team fill her Facebook page and she frequently jokes with the players on Twitter. She enjoys catching up with friends at her monthly book club and watching the antics of the geese in the nearby Loma Linda veteran’s hospital park. Life is good, and little things mean a lot.

“Riding the bus is a nice break in my routine. I often go through long periods of time without much human interaction. So when a driver greets me with a friendly smile and goes beyond just his job, it makes me happy. I’m also very proud when a driver complements me on the way I handle my chair. Riding Omnitrans has been a good experience for me. I like getting out and wish I knew more places to go!”

–Juno Kughler Carlson

Do you like this story and want to use it for your blog or newsletter? All our stories may be freely re-posted and shared with others!

Do you have a great Omnitrans story to share? Let us know!
Email juno.carlson@omnitrans.org

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Rider Profile

Life-long love of transit

Posted on May 31, 2013 by | 1 Comment

Paul Castillo has been fascinated by public transit since he was 5-years-old. “As a child it made a big impression on me,” he admits. “Planes, trains, buses–I loved them all. My mom never drove a car, so we took the bus wherever we went. In school when they asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up, I always wanted to be a bus driver.”

Eventually he realized his dream and became a coach operator, driving buses for LA’s Metro Transit. “LA is very different from the Inland Empire. It’s like a jungle. There is tons of traffic which make it challenging to stay on time point. Passengers are generally rushed and often cranky. It’s a busy job. You really have to stay on your toes and be aware of your surroundings. You learn to keep your cool, and remain courteous and professional at all times. What I like best about being a coach operator is that you’re outdoors–not stuck in a cubicle all day. And you get to meet all kinds of interesting people.”

During the past year that he’s lived in San Bernardino, Omnitrans has been Paul’s primary form of transportation. He is currently out of work and is finding it helpful in his job searches. “I ‘m not as familiar with this area, so I go on the trip planner section of the Omnitrans site to do Google Transit searches. This way I can see right away how far away a business is, how long the travel time will be and what routes I would need to take in order to get there.”

His goal is to take a position with another transit agency, eventually working his way up to a trainer or management position. “I’d love the opportunity to work for Omnitrans, actually. I like the buses, and I’ve had good experiences riding the routes here. The passengers are much more laid back than in LA, and the coach operators have been very courteous and helpful.”

Paul is a 10 year member of Southern California Transit Advocates, a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion, development and improvement of public transportation in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. He likes being around others who share his interests and enjoys the occasional group excursions to various transit agencies to learn firsthand about the ridership, buses and services.

–Juno Kughler Carlson

Do you like this story and want to use it for your blog or newsletter? All our stories may be freely re-posted and shared with others!

Do you have a great Omnitrans story to share? Let us know!
Email juno.carlson@omnitrans.org

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Rider Profile

Tagged , , , , , ,

Reading, riding & reaching out to others

Posted on May 30, 2013 by | 2 Comments

“Omnitrans is the center of my universe,” says Liz Neal. The 46-year-old San Bernardino retiree has a history of seizures which prevents her from driving. But she doesn’t let that hold her back from enjoying the things she loves. She relies on Routes 2, 5 and 15 to get her where she needs to go.

An active member of her church, Ecclesia Christian Fellowship, Liz’s days are filled with Praise Dance practice, choir rehearsals, Bible study, community service and spiritual counseling.  She hopes to one day return to Bible College to obtain a ministry degree. Liz is also an avid reader, preferring true crime, biographies and computer books, and is a frequent visitor at the local library. She always has a book on her, and finds the 45 minute commute between home and church to be a great time to relax and read.

“I like that the buses are neat and clean–and air conditioned. Always great on those hot days!  I know I can get where I need to go on time, and the bus drivers are all very nice. Whenever I’ve had questions or needed directions, they’ve always been very helpful and informative.”

Because she rides every day, Liz purchases 31-Day disability bus passes in order to save more money. And she’s a huge fan of the new NexTrip bus arrival prediction technology.

“It’s been heaven. Whoever came up with that–I just want to hug them!” she laughs. “I trust it and love it and can’t imagine life without it now. Before I used to have to phone the call center every day or check the bus book to get information to plan my trip.  Now I have the NexTrip app downloaded to my smartphone, and it’s always right on the money. If it says the bus is arriving now, I can look up and actually see it coming down the street!”

Liz says NexTrip also gives her the opportunity to talk to people and help them. “It never fails. Whenever I’m at a bus stop, someone always comes along to ask how long I’ve been waiting and do I know when the next bus is coming.  I just pull out my phone and show them. It’s so much easier than looking at the map at the bus stop or at the bus book. It’s that important.”

–Juno Kughler Carlson

Do you like this story and want to use it for your blog or newsletter? All our stories may be freely re-posted and shared with others!

Do you have a great Omnitrans story to share? Let us know!
Email juno.carlson@omnitrans.org

→ 2 Comments

Posted in Rider Profile

Tagged , , , , ,

Grand Prize Winner: Melissa Paniagua

Posted on May 3, 2013 by | 1 Comment

Omnitrans Grand Prize Winner Melissa Paniagua

Twenty-one-year-old Melissa Paniagua from Fontana was drawn as the Grand Prize winner in the Omnitrans Clean & Green Contest, celebrating 100 million CNG miles. Yesterday she stopped by to visit with us and pick up her prizes of a $100 Target gift card,  bus passes worth 100 days of free rides and some fun Omnitrans gear.

Omnitrans Marketing Director Wendy Williams awards Melissa the Grand Prize which includes a $100 Target gift card, 100 days worth of free bus passes.

Melissa used to ride the bus every day from Fontana to the Marinello Beauty School in San Bernardino. “I started cutting my own hair when I was 15-years-old,” she laughs. “Pretty soon my friends were asking me to cut their hair during school lunch breaks. It’s something I’m good at and really enjoy. I graduated in February and am looking for a professional postion now.”

Grand Prize winner Melissa poses with some of her new Omnitrans gear

“Having the bus has made a huge impact in my life. Without Omnitrans,  I couldn’t have gotton my cosmotology license. I wasn’t driving when I started school–a car was just too expensive– and I had no other way of getting here. Later I was able to use my boyfriend’s car sometimes, but it was too difficult with our seperate schedules.  By riding Omnitrans, I was able to get an education in something I love doing.”

Melissa, her brother John and her two children, Jiovanni and Matalin

Melissa introduced us to her brother John, another Omnitran regular,  and her two children:  Jiovanni age 1 and Matalin age 2. John told us one of their favorite  things to do was buy a bus pass and go on an adventure for the day as a family. Because the children are so used to traveling on the bus, they aren’t nervous around strangers. Melissa feels it has made them better socialized.

John and Jiovanni sporting their new Omnitrans baseball caps

Melissa plans on using part of her new gift card to purchase swim floaties for the children so that they can have fun  swimming this weekend.

Matalin shows us her Omnitrans fan as she gets ready to head for home

Do you like this story and want to use it for your blog or newsletter? All our stories may be freely reposted and shared with others!

Do you have a great Omnitrans story to share? Let us know!
Email juno.carlson@omnitrans.org

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Promotion, Rider Profile

Tagged , , , , ,

Early Adopter, Now A NexTrip Advocate

Posted on May 1, 2013 by | Leave a comment

When NexTrip was launched at the end of January, Catherine was one of the first ones to take advantage of the new technology. She was an instant fan.

“I know when the bus is actually coming without needing to memorize a schedule. No longer do I wonder if I’ll miss my bus if I use the restroom.  I can set alerts on my phone for the bus near my home and stay in my air conditioning until the last minute instead of baking in the summer heat.”

Since then, she’s passed the experience on to many of her fellow riders. “Every chance I get, I help others learn about NexTrip, often breaking the ice by telling them exactly how many minutes until their bus arrives. Once, to test its accuracy, I set an alert for 1 minute. The bus arrived about a minute after the alert came to my phone. In a nutshell, I never worry about when the bus will show up as long as I have my cell. I KNOW! Thanks for implementing NexTrip.”

Although she has had a driver’s license since she was 18, Catherine has never owned or had regular access to a car, and taxicabs just aren’t cost-effective for her budget. “If Omnitrans was not an effective tool for transportation for all my non-emergency needs, I would have moved somewhere with better public transit years ago,” she says frankly.

As a regular rider, Catherine hopes to eventually see Omnitrans offer extended weekend coverage. As a Colton resident, it would allow her the freedom to enjoy more events and attend late evening services at her church of choice in Redlands. In the meantime, she is enjoying her new found flexibility with our NexTrip real-time bus prediction system.

–Juno Kughler Carlson

Try NexTrip for yourself.
Get real time arrival information via text message, online or by phone!

Do you like this story and want to use it for your blog or newsletter? All our stories may be freely reposted and shared with others!

Do you have a great Omnitrans story to share? Let us know!
Email juno.carlson@omnitrans.org

→ Leave a comment

Posted in NexTrip, Rider Profile, Uncategorized

Tagged , , , ,