According to the July 2011 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report, there is an astonishing 14.3 percent unemployment rate in San Bernardino County – well above the state of California and the nation's unemployment rates. Today, Omnitrans starts construction of the E Street Corridor sbX Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project, the first in the Inland Empire and one of only 10 Small Starts projects in the entire United States to receive funding from the Federal Transit Administration in 2011. Funding was awarded because there is a clear need for public transit infrastructure in the region and the project is designed to create economic opportunities – with the Inland Empire one of the most economically distressed areas in the U.S. The project spans 15.7 miles from north San Bernardino to Loma Linda with 16 stations at key university, government, business, entertainment and medical centers, and four park-and-rides. All stations have been designed to include public art that complements the neighborhoods they serve. As an example, a beautiful Stars and Stripes art monument and tribute to the United States Armed Forces will showcase the VA Hospital station in Loma Linda.
sbX BENEFITS:
- Creation of more than 230 direct jobs and hundreds more indirect jobs
The new, environmentally friendly, technologically advanced, cost effective, and time efficient system will enhance mobility - First of several transit projects where BRT, rail and traditional bus service will converge in Downtown San Bernardino
- Will help meet state mandates to address greenhouse gas emissions through Assembly Bill 32 and State Bill 375 relating to sustainable communities
PROJECT PARTNERS:
- Omnitrans
- U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration
- San Bernardino Associated Governments
- City of San Bernardino
- City of Loma Linda