News Release

Omnitrans To Host Contractors Workshop on Bus Rapid Transit

SAN BERNARDINO, CA - Omnitrans will host a workshop on Friday, July 24 in San Bernardino, to discuss contracting opportunities related to a bus rapid transit project known as sbX (San Bernardino Express).

The workshop will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. in the board conference room of the San Bernardino Economic Development Agency, 201 N. E Street. Attendees will be informed of civil, guideway, structural, electrical, signal and other contracting opportunities related to the E Street Corridor BRT Project. The 15.7-mile alignment has been selected as the first of 11 BRT projects proposed for construction throughout the Omnitrans service area over the next 25 years.

“Since 1976, Omnitrans has provided traditional bus service to its riders,” said Project Manager Milind Joshi. “Our population growth projections require an enhanced level of service to make traveling faster, more convenient and more attractive.”

BRT combines the cost effectiveness of traditional bus service with the high-end experience of a subway or light-rail service. It is used in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia and South America, and is becoming increasingly popular in North America, especially in the western United States.

The E Street Corridor will have 23 stations in 16 locations, connecting such major venues as California State University, San Bernardino, the National Orange Show Events Center, Loma Linda University and the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Administration Medical Center. When completed, the 60-foot coaches will run in 10-minute intervals during peak traffic periods, cutting the commute time roughly in half through the use of dedicated lanes and signal priority.

There is no cost to attend the workshop and refreshments will be provided. Attendees are asked to RSVP no later than Wed. July 22 by calling the Omnitrans Integrated Project Management Office at (909) 963-5232.

Omnitrans is the public transit agency serving southern California’s San Bernardino Valley. However, companies throughout the country are encouraged to bid on sbX-related contracting opportunities.

Founded in 1976, Omnitrans is the public transit agency serving fifteen cities and the unincorporated areas of the Inland Valley of San Bernardino County in Southern California. Omnitrans currently operates 32 fixed bus routes in a 480-square-mile area. Omnitrans also provides OmniLink and Access demand-response service, and is a partner in the Inland Empire Connection express bus service. The American Public Transportation Association has named Omnitrans the Outstanding Transit System of its size in both 1995 and 1999. Omnitrans also has received twelve safety awards from the National Safety Council.