October Bus Ridership Highest on Record

San Bernardino, CA–People climbed aboard Omnitrans buses in record numbers during October, with over 1.5 million trips tallied. Along with surpassing the previous top ridership month mark set in October 2001, the transit agency also set a new high for a single day on October 3 with over 68,000 boardings.The month began strong, boosted by promotional efforts tied to Southern California “Rideshare Week” (October 1 -5) which happened to coincide with spiking gasoline prices in California. Boardings jumped 17.5 percent in that first week compared to 2011.  In the end October 2012 finished 9.4 percent ahead of last year.

“We offered a free ride coupon online for Rideshare Week, the same as we have done since 2009,” said Director of Marketing Wendy Williams. “But this year coupon redemption nearly tripled.”

Even after gasoline prices eased and the free ride promotion ended, passenger boardings have remained brisk.  Omnitrans weekday ridership averaged 58,928 for the month.  November seems to be keeping pace with over 65,000 passengers transported on the first day of the month.

“I believe our record ridership demonstrates that people are looking for economical and environmentally friendly transportation.  When people try Omnitrans, they find out we offer great service—on time, friendly drivers, clean buses—and then they keep riding,” said Omnitrans CEO/General Manager Milo Victoria.

Route and schedule information is available online at www.omnitrans.org or by phone at 1-800-966-6428.

Top Five Ridership Months

Month/Year	Fixed Route Ridership
October 2012	1,547,378
October 2001	1,543,869
October 2002	1,484,943
October 2008	1,466,470
August 2001	1,440,920

October Ridership 2008-2012

Month/Year	Fixed Route Ridership
October 2012	1,547,378
October 2011	1,414,348
October 2010	1,268,644
October 2009	1,315,612
October 2008	1,466,470

First trip on the Omnitrans New Flyer Xcelsior

This afternoon the first of the Omnitrans New Flyer Xcelsior buses hit the streets on its maiden voyage. Passengers on Route 14 were excited and happy to be the first ones to have the opportunity to ride. “We’re making history!” someone shouted from the back of the bus, and everyone laughed.

People loved the new fleet graphics and gave the bus high marks for coolness, comfort and roominess. They can’t wait to ride again!

Coach Operator Elaine Sanchez was at the helm of the New Flyer Xcelsior for the historic trip. Elaine was recently honored with the  Omnitrans Employee of the Quarter award for her outstanding customer service.

Omnitrans CEO Milo climbed aboard on his way to a meeting, always happy to get a chance to meet some of our passengers.

This mom and her new baby were among the first passengers to board.

Renee Compton was the first wheelchair passenger on the New Flyer Xcelsior

Mr. Jones was the first bike passenger to join us on the trip. He just recently starting biking and taking Omnitrans to save the expense of gas money.

Click here for more passenger photos.

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