Los Angeles – Metrolink riders traveling to Ontario International Airport (ONT) now have a new mobility option with sponsored Lyft rides from four Metrolink stations and Omnitrans transit centers thanks to a partnership with the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA).
Alan Wapner, President of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) who also serves on the Boards of Directors of Metrolink and SBCTA, described the partnership as an important next step in making sure ONT meets the needs of one of the fastest-growing population and economic centers in the United States.
“A big part of what sets Ontario International Airport apart is its access and convenience, and as an airport authority, we are committed to exploring all options that allow us to maintain that competitive edge, increase commuter and transit options and grow the right way,” Wapner said.
The program covers up to $35 off each Lyft ride connecting ONT with one of the Metrolink stations at Montclair, Upland, Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario-East. SBCTA is funding the $396,000 pilot program to increase public transportation ridership servicing ONT.
“Local control of the Ontario International Airport has spurred significant, positive, change for one of our county’s greatest assets,” SBCTA President Darcy McNaboe said. “To enthusiastically support this change, we are creating a pilot program that helps connect transit to the airport. The information we gather from this program will help us develop future connections that will ease congestion, improve communities, and continue to make San Bernardino County great.”
The Metrolink Montclair, Upland and Rancho Cucamonga stations are on the San Bernardino Line, while the Ontario-East Station is part Metrolink’s Riverside Line.
Fifty-two Metrolink trains make stops Monday through Friday at the stations where the free Lyft service is offered. Customers also have weekend options on the San Bernardino Line where 20 Metrolink trains stop at the stations on Saturday and six trains make stops on Sunday.
“Through this partnership, travelers and workers alike have a convenient, reliable transportation option to get to and from the Ontario International Airport without needing to own or rent a car or worry about parking,” said Bakari Brock, senior director of City Partnerships at Lyft. “We’re proud to be working with SBCTA, Metrolink, Omnitrans and Ontario International airport to help improve connections between regional transit and airport.”
To participate in the program, riders need to enter the GOSBCTA code into the Promos field in the Lyft app one time, and the subsidy will apply automatically to any eligible ride; the code will automatically renew at the end of each month. Riders without smartphones can participate by calling 909-235-5544. Riders with specialized mobility needs, such as a motorized wheelchair, can also request an on-demand ride by calling 866-946-4938. Eligible trips run between ONT and one of the four Metrolink stations and take place during transit operation hours (3:30 a.m. to 12 a.m.).
For more information on the Lyft rides to and from ONT click here.
ABOUT SBCTA (gosbcta.com)
Serving more than 2.1 million residents of San Bernardino County, the SBCTA is responsible for cooperative regional planning and furthering an efficient multi-modal transportation system countywide. The SBCTA administers Measure I, the half-cent transportation sales tax approved by county voters in 1989, and supports freeway construction projects, regional and local road improvements, train and bus transportation, railroad crossings, call boxes, ridesharing, congestion management efforts, and long-term planning studies.
ABOUT METROLINK (metrolinktrains.com)
Metrolink is Southern California’s commuter rail service enabling people to connect to their jobs and explore all that the region has to offer. Every year, Metrolink has nearly 12 million boardings from people who ditch their cars to avoid gridlock, removing an estimated 8.9 million vehicles from the roads and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 128,700 metric tons. Metrolink is the largest commuter rail agency in California and the third largest in the United States operating seven lines along a 538-mile network that travels across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties.
About Ontario International Airport
Ontario International Airport (ONT) is the fastest growing airport in the United States, according to Global Traveler, a leading publication for frequent fliers. Located in the Inland Empire, ONT is approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the center of Southern California. It is a full-service airport with nonstop commercial jet service to 22 major airports in the U.S., Mexico and Taiwan, and connecting service to many domestic and international destinations. There is an average of 72 daily departures offered by nine air carriers. More information is available at www.flyOntario.com.
About Lyft
Lyft was founded in 2012 by Logan Green and John Zimmer to improve people’s lives with the world’s best transportation and is available to 95 percent of the United States population as well as select cities in Canada. Lyft is committed to effecting positive change for our cities and making cities more livable for everyone through initiatives that bridge transportation gaps, and by promoting transportation equity through shared rides, bikeshare systems, electric scooters, and public transit partnerships.
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