SBCTA Celebrates Transit Equity Day on February 4
January 31, 2025
Transit Equity Day is celebrated every year on February 4, the birthdate of civil rights leader Rosa Parks, famous for leading the Montgomery Bus Boycott in the 1950s. Transit equity refers to practices that ensure everyone has equitable access to affordable, reliable, and efficient transportation options. The holiday was first celebrated by the Department of Transportation in 2021 and continues to be observed by transportation agencies across the country.
In honor of Transit Equity Day, SBCTA works with all five bus transit providers in San Bernardino County (Omnitrans, Mountain Transit, Basin Transit, Victor Valley Transit Authority, Needles Area Transit), as well as Metrolink train service, to provide free rides on February 4.
Additionally, SBCTA is hosting a celebration at the San Bernardino Transit Center from 7 to 10 a.m. Everyone is invited to attend and learn more about the many available transit services that make up the regional network. It will also be an opportunity to learn more about SBCTA’s Ride Happy! campaign that encourages riders to be safe, respectful and kind while using public transit. Riders can share their positive transit experiences for a chance to win prizes. The San Bernardino Transit Center is located at 599 W. Rialto Ave in the city of San Bernardino.
However, SBCTA’s equity practices extend beyond a single day. Throughout the year, the agency pursues initiatives such as free bus rides for residents impacted by construction, zero-emission technology in areas with poor air quality, and discount programs for low-income residents and disabled veterans.
When SBCTA demolished and began rebuilding the Mt. Vernon Avenue Bridge over one of the largest railyards in the region operated by Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad, the agency recognized that nearby residents needed a way to travel between the north and south sides of the railyard. In response, SBCTA began, and continues, to offer complimentary rides at the following stations:
- 5th Street and Mt. Vernon Avenue (Route 14)
- 2nd Street and Metrolink Way (Route 1)
To access this service, board at either stop and say “bridge detour” or “desvío del puente” to the bus driver for a free ride. More information about this service is available on the SBCTA website or by calling (855) 55-SBCTA.
SBCTA is also dedicated to improving the air quality in San Bernardino County, working to bring zero-emission transit options to county residents. Examples include ZEMU, North America’s first zero-emission hydrogen and battery powered train, which will run on Metrolink’s 9-mile Arrow corridor that serves the eastern portion of the San Bernardino Line between the San Bernardino Downtown Station and Redlands University Station. ZEMU is currently undergoing testing and is expected to be in use this year.
Meanwhile, construction is underway on the first phase of the West Valley Connector project, which will introduce a fleet of electric buses that better meet the needs of riders, provide time savings, and travel in bus-only lanes in some areas. This type of service is called bus rapid transit (BRT). The West Valley Connector BRT route will connect residents from the Pomona Regional Transit Center to the Rancho Cucamonga Metrolink Station, Ontario International Airport, Victoria Gardens and Ontario Mills shopping centers, among various other destinations. The West Valley Connector is expected to be up and running in 2026.
In addition to implementing equity programs for public transit, SBCTA also offers discounts for drivers on the SB Express Lanes on Interstate 10. San Bernardino County residents who qualify as low-income or disabled veterans are encouraged to apply for SB Express Lanes discounts.
SBCTA continues its dedication to create safe, affordable, and reliable transportation options for all San Bernardino County residents. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @goSBCTA for all your San Bernardino County transportation updates.
