More than half a million riders have climbed aboard the sbX rapid transit line serving Loma Linda and San Bernardino since it launched a year ago. Omnitrans is marking the anniversary with free rides, daily giveaways at sbX stations and a sweepstakes drawing that would provide a year of free rides to the winner, among other things.
The sbX launched on April 28, 2014 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 from about 1,325 to 2,375, an increase of 79 percent.
“We expect sbX ridership to grow by another 30 percent by next year, mostly due to the opening of San Bernardino Transit Center in September,” said Omnitrans spokesperson Wendy Williams. The sbX station on E Street at Rialto Avenue is adjacent to the new transit center which will be the hub for 13 Omnitrans bus routes, making for easier connections.
As part of the anniversary celebration, sbX free ride coupons good any day from April 27 through May 1 are available online. Contest entry forms are available on board buses or online. Daily giveaways focus on the many destinations along the sbX line. April 27 - Take sbX shopping. 1,000 shopping bags giveaway on board and at stations all day. April 28 - Take sbX to the game. 100 IE66ers baseball tickets at the Rialto St. Station, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 29 - Take sbX to lunch. Restaurant coupon giveaways at all Hospitality Lane stations, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 30 - Take sbX to work. Free sbX travel mug when boarding at Loma Linda or Palm & Kendall Park-and-Ride Stations, 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. May 1 - Take sbX to the Movies. 100 Regal Cinema tickets at Court Street Station, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
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, US military veterans and youth age 18 and under, qualify for discounts.
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.
