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 $35.00 off Lyft rides between the Ontario International Airport and Metrolink stations: Ontario-East, Montclair, Upland, and Rancho Cucamonga. SBCTA is funding the $396,000 pilot program (running through November 2020) 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 smart phones 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 12:00 a.m.).
For additional information on the Metrolink/Lyft ride options, visit metrolinktrains.com.
