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Measure Impact: Omnitrans

November 22, 2023
Measure Impact is our latest blog series that highlights current and past projects that have received funding by Measure I – the half-cent sales tax collected throughout San Bernardino County for transportation improvements. San Bernardino County voters first approved the measure in 1989 and in 2004 overwhelmingly approved the extension through 2040.

Major capital investments – highways, bridges and state-of-the-art transit systems – showcase some of the more obvious benefits of Measure I, the taxpayer-supported half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements in San Bernardino County.

What you might not know is that Measure I also supports programs that improve access and connectivity, especially for some of our most vulnerable populations. These programs are managed through Omnitrans and provide seniors, individuals living with disabilities and others with free or affordable transportation options.

Among these are the Travel Training program, which provides free support and assistance for seniors and individuals with disabilities who are unfamiliar with Omnitrans bus service and helps them ride the system for the first time.

Other Measure I-supported programs include the Volunteer Driver Program, which provides reimbursement for individuals with disabilities who rely on a third party to drive them around, and the Uber and Taxi RIDE Program, which provides a monthly subsidy to seniors and individuals with disabilities who use Uber or taxis for medical appointments, work, grocery shopping and other tips.

Information on the Travel Training, Volunteer Driver and Uber and Taxi RIDE programs is available here.

In addition, Measure I funds support transportation services for seniors and individuals with disabilities that are provided by cities and a number of non-profit organizations, such as Anthesis, AgingNext, OPARC and the West End YMCA.

Javier “John” Dutrey, Mayor of Montclair and Chair of the Omnitrans Board of Directors, said thousands of residents would be unable to access essential services if not for Measure I, which was overwhelmingly approved by voters in 1989 and again in 2004.

“Thank goodness for Measure I. One of the biggest challenges our vulnerable populations face is getting to and from medical care, the grocery store, or the support services they need,” Dutrey said.

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