SBCTA is excited to announce Ride Happy! – a campaign designed to make using public transit a better experience for every rider. Anyone who rides transit in San Bernardino County can become part of the campaign by sharing their story—and be entered in a quarterly drawing to win prizes.
Public transit offers a wealth of benefits – economical transportation, increased access to opportunity, the chance to avoid the stresses of driving, and environmental enhancements. But to take advantage of these benefits, people must feel comfortable riding the bus or train.
“Recent market research with passengers and drivers found they feel safe on transit but are often annoyed or distressed by the bad behavior of a few riders,” SBCTA President Ray Marquez said. “Riders and drivers expressed a desire for more clarity around what is and isn’t acceptable behavior on the bus. The Ride Happy! campaign is the first step to achieving that.”
On-bus and at-station displays will clearly and cheerfully communicate the dos and don’ts of riding transit, encouraging everyone to be safe, respectful and kind. Drivers will point to and enforce these rules as needed. Posters, social media and other communications will reinforce the idea of making the transit experience positive for everyone.
The campaign will be introduced on all San Bernardino County transit systems – Omnitrans, Victor Valley Transit, Mountain Transit, Basin Transit, and Needles Area Transit. In each system, riders will be instructed on how to report bad conduct or harassment.
Transit riders can become part of the solution by sharing their own stories for a chance to win prizes. Those stories will be celebrated in upcoming promotions for Ride Happy!
To contribute a story and be entered to win, visit goSBCTA.com/transit.