Omnitrans Seeks Input on Future BRT Line and Freeway Express Expansion

Omnitrans is holding a series of public meetings in April to gather public feedback on proposals for additional freeway express service in 2016-2017 and the future West Valley Connector bus rapid transit (BRT) line. WEST VALLEY CONNECTOR BRT Similar to the sbX green line BRT launched in San Bernardino and Loma Linda in 2014, the West Valley Connector would offer: weekday service every 10 to 15 minutes, stations spaced at one mile to a half mile apart, transit signal priority, and enhanced stations with benches, trash cans, lighting, real time bus arrival signs, security cameras and emergency phones. The proposed 25-mile long line would travel through Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Montclair and Pomona, connecting major activity centers such as Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center, Victoria Gardens, Ontario Mills, Citizens Business Bank Arena, Ontario Convention Center, Ontario Airport and multiple Metrolink commuter rail stations. FREEWAY EXPRESS Omnitrans is proposing a new weekday-only, peak-hour freeway express bus route to serve Yucaipa, Redlands, and San Bernardino via Interstate 10 beginning in January 2017. The transit agency also proposes increasing service span and frequency on the Route 290 freeway express launched last year which connects San Bernardino, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, Ontario Mills and the Montclair Transit Center via Interstates 215 and 10. If approved, Route 290 would provide additional early morning and mid-day trips beginning in September 2016. Public comments also may be submitted by mail to Omnitrans, 1700 West Fifth Street, San Bernardino, CA 92411, phone at (909) 379-7250, or email at tembi.tovar@omnitrans.org. The deadline for comments on freeway express proposals is Friday, April 29, 2016; the West Valley Connector comment deadline is Saturday, April 23, 2016.