Friends Ride Free Fridays on sbX Rapid Transit Line

Omnitrans is offering two-for-one fares once a week on its new sbX bus rapid transit line during October and November with a “Friends Ride Free Fridays” promotion, which began Oct. 3. “We know that current sbX customers are our best promoters, so we invite them to bring along a friend for free on Fridays this fall,” explained Omnitrans spokesperson Wendy Williams. “For new riders, it’s always reassuring to travel with an experienced rider.” sbX service launched on April 28 with a free week that attracted over 3,000 riders per day on average. Since fare collection began on May 5, average daily ridership has grown steadily from about 1,300 to over 2,300, an increase of 77 percent. “Our goal is to get back to the ridership activity experienced in that first free week by the time we celebrate our 1-year anniversary,” said Williams. The one-way fare on sbX, and all Omnitrans bus routes, is $1.75; a 1-day pass is $5. 7-day and 31-day passes offer savings for frequent riders. Persons with disabilities, seniors age 62 and up, and youth age 18 and under, qualify for discounts. Through Omnitrans’ “GoSmart” program, local college students can ride free with their student ID if enrolled at California State University, San Bernardino, San Bernardino Valley College, Crafton Hills College, Chaffey College or the Art Institute of California—Inland Empire. The sbX green line runs every 10 to 15 minutes on weekdays in San Bernardino and Loma Linda on a 16-mile route, including over 5 miles of dedicated bus lanes. Riders can enjoy free Wi-Fi and 110-outlet power outlets on board. Stations feature real-time arrival signs, ticket vending machines, emergency telephones, and public art. Traffic signal prioritization technology helps vehicles get ahead of other traffic. To enhance security, a security service patrols the corridor and video cameras at stations are monitored 24/7.