San Bernardino, CA – Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) joined with Omnitrans leaders today to celebrate – and demonstrate – new vehicles for the public transportation agency’s Access paratransit fleet.

Rep. Baca secured $300,000 for Omnitrans to assist in its purchase of state-of-the-art minibuses to be used by riders with disabilities.  The funding was included in the Conference Report on the Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, Judiciary, and the District of Columbia Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2006 (H.R. 3058), legislation passed by Congress late last year. 

“Many Inland residents depend on Omnitrans for convenient transportation around our region.  The Access Service is especially important because it makes it possible for disabled passengers to get to work, to school, to the doctor’s office, to go shopping or eat out – wherever they need to go.  By providing reliable and comfortable transportation, the new Access minibuses will make a big difference,” said Rep. Baca.

Through its Access Service Omnitrans provides curb-to-curb appointment service for persons with disabilities in the San Bernardino Valley.  Riders take 1400 trips per day; the total number of trips for Fiscal Year 2006 exceeded 430,000.

Omnitrans has recently purchased 25 new minibuses, which it unveiled today by having Congressman Baca take the driver’s seat for a ceremonial inaugural start-up.  The agency plans to acquire 50 more such vehicles for its paratransit fleet next year.

Omnitrans CEO and General Manager Durand Rall said, “We want to express our gratitude to Congressman Baca for his efforts on our behalf.  His support for this project will enable us to better serve persons with disabilities in our community.”

Rep. Baca also congratulated Omnitrans on its 30th anniversary and noted the essential service it provides.  “More than 14 million trips were taken on Omnitrans last year. Imagine how much worse traffic would be if all of the Omnitrans passengers were driving! Mass transit reduces congestion on our already crowded roads, saves energy and reduces pollution.   As high gas prices force families to look for transportation alternatives, more will turn to bus and rail service.  I will continue to work with Omnitrans and its great workforce to expand and enhance public transit in the Inland Empire.