Bus riders 18 and under can hop aboard Omnitrans buses for just a buck beginning June 1, thanks to a summer youth discount that will continue through August 31.
“Summer is a great time to get out and explore,” said Omnitrans spokesperson Wendy Williams. “We hope the discounted summer youth fare will make it more affordable for youth and families to get to the community pool, a skate park, the library, a mall or the movies.”
Youth have a choice of paying cash on board or paying by phone using the Token Transit mobile app. With the mobile app, riders can purchase fares by phone in advance, then save them on their smartphone wallet until they are ready to board.
When the Summer Youth Fare was first offered in 2017, over 39,000 trips were tallied in June and July. In 2018, the total jumped to nearly 50,000. For 2019, the discount is being extended to include August.
Omnitrans offers youth discounts on its 7-day and 31-day bus passes year-round, but there is not a youth discount for single rides except in summer. In comparison, the regular single ride rate is $1.75 and a 1-day pass is $5.
The summer youth fare is good on all Omnitrans bus routes serving the San Bernardino Valley including 26 local routes, three freeway express routes, five OmniGo community shuttle routes and the sbX bus rapid transit line in San Bernardino and Loma Linda.
Students who appear to be close to age 19 should be prepared to show bus drivers proof of age or a high school ID card to prove they are eligible for the discount. Personalized routing assistance is available at 800-9-OMNIBUS (800-966-6428) or online at www.omnitrans.org.