A new Omnitrans express bus route traveling on the 10 Freeway from San Bernardino to Montclair will be offered starting Tuesday, part of changes to more than half of the bus system’s routes.
The realignment of the bus routes is to simplify the route network and reduce travel times.
The new express route -- Route 290 -- provides weekday, peak-hour service between Montclair TransCenter and San Bernardino with stops at Ontario Mills and Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton. Omnitrans will offer free rides on Route 290 Tuesday through Sept. 11.
Additionally, 11 east valley bus routes are being adjusted Tuesday for the opening of the new San Bernardino Transit Center in Rialto Avenue in San Bernardino and adjacent to the sbX rapid transit line on E Street. Weekday frequency on local Route 2, which shadows the sbX line, will be scaled back from every 30 minutes to hourly.
Neighboring transit agencies, Mountain Transit and Victor Valley Transit Authority, also will serve the transit center. In 2017, when construction of a rail extension is complete, the SBTC will provide a direct connection to Metrolink commuter trains.
Omnitrans will provide direct service to San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino by extending Route 1 east to Victoria Avenue in Highland. At the same time, frequency on Route 1 north of downtown San Bernardino will increase to every 15 minutes, instead of every 30 minutes.
In light of the significant service changes, Omnitrans ambassadors next week will be available during peak morning and evening hours to assist customers at several major transfer locations: Chaffey College Transit Center, Chino Transit Center, Montclair TransCenter, Ontario Mills and the San Bernardino Transit Center.
Information on all the changes: 800-966-6428 or online at omnitrans.org.