Kern County, Calif., has selected MTM Transit to operate the Kern Transit system. Beginning Oct. 1, 2026, MTM Transit will assume responsibility for operating Kern Transit under a five-year contract, delivering both fixed-route and demand response services throughout the county. The system serves an 8,000-square-mile region and provides transportation connections for communities throughout the entire county.

Kern Transit currently operates 12 fixed routes and six Dial-A-Ride service zones, connecting residents to employment, healthcare, education, shopping and other essential destinations throughout the region. The system serves communities across Kern County and provides important regional connections for passengers traveling within and beyond the county. MTM Transit notes that it was selected following a competitive procurement process.

"We are honored to have been selected by Kern County to operate the Kern Transit system and look forward to building a strong partnership focused on delivering exceptional service for passengers," said MTM Transit COO Brain Balogh. "Every day, Kern Transit provides essential mobility that connects people to the opportunities and services they depend on. Our team is committed to ensuring a seamless transition while delivering safe, reliable and innovative transportation solutions that enhance the rider experience and support the long-term goals of the county."

As part of its transition plan, MTM Transit says it will work closely with Kern County and local stakeholders to ensure continuity of service while implementing best practices, operational efficiencies and customer service initiatives designed to support system performance and passenger satisfaction.

"We are excited to partner with MTM Transit as the next operator of the Kern Transit system," said Kern County Public Works Manager Angela Willis. "Throughout the procurement process, MTM Transit demonstrated a strong understanding of our service, our community and our goals for the future. We are confident their experience, commitment to innovation and focus on customer service will help strengthen mobility throughout Kern County while delivering meaningful value to our passengers, employees and the community as a whole."

This comes on the heels of other assumptions of management by MTM Transit, including a 10-year contract it inked with the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, beginning in 2025, for the management of its paratransit and on-demand microtransit programs.