San Bernardino County students ride for free on public transit

Starting this month, high school, middle school and elementary students all over San Bernardino County ride free every day, on every bus system in the County thanks to a grant from the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA). That includes Omnitrans, Victor Valley Transit, Mountain Transit, Basin Transit and Needles Area Transit.

“We are very excited about this program,” SBCTA Board President Dawn Rowe states. “It provides a financial break to families and gives them more options. Whether riding to school, for after school fun, or for a weekend outing, kids ride free.”

The free fares are being promoted with the tag line “You’re now free to GO,” emphasizing not only that the fare is free, but that public transit offers youth the chance to gain independence.

Identification requirements and rules may vary.  Riders are encouraged to visit their local transit system website to learn more:

• Omnitrans – omnitrans.org, 800.966.6428
• Victor Valley Transit Authority – vvta.org, 760.948.4021
• Mountain Transit – mountaintransit.org, 909.878.5200
• Basin Transit – basin-transit.com, 800.794.6282
• Needles Area Transit – cityofneedles.com/transit, 760.326.2113 ext. 115

The free fare program is a one-year pilot project, funded primarily with Low Carbon Transit Operations funding which seeks to reduce carbon emissions by increasing transit use.