The West Valley Connector Bus Rapid Transit project is a 19-mile route connecting Pomona to Rancho Cucamonga in San Bernardino County, California. The project will include a stop at the Ontario International Airport and received a significant boost last month with the presentation of an $87 million check from the Federal Transit Administration. This marked the last major piece of funding for the $320 million project.

The project is developed jointly by the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority and Omnitrans. The West Valley Connector will provide a new, faster, and more cost-effective means of travel for people living in the eastern San Gabriel Valley. Furthermore, the bus rapid transit project will begin construction this summer and take around two years to complete.

An Alternative Route for East San Gabriel Valley Residents

The Metrolink rail serves the San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire. It passes about four miles north of the airport. Passengers seeking to reach the airport must take an additional bus line from Metrolink’s Rancho Cucamonga station at an extra cost to reach their destination.

The West Valley Connector bus line will provide a more direct and cost-effective option since a one-way trip on the bus line costs just $2, and passes for frequent travelers on the bus line are also cheaper. On the other hand, the Metrolink one-way trip costs $10.75, which is quite expensive. 

Residents of the eastern San Gabriel Valley will have an alternate transportation option with the West Valley Connector bus rapid transit line. Being the first direct express transit link to Ontario Airport, it is a huge step ahead since the premises are currently not accessible through the existing regional commuter rail service, Metrolink.

Faster and Efficient Commute with Dedicated Bus Lanes

The West Valley Connector will feature a bus-only lane that gets priority during rush hour, similar to the numerous other bus rapid transit projects in Los Angeles County. This will make the commute time shorter than on conventional bus lines. Additionally, the project will include a 3.5-mile dedicated bus lane that no other vehicles can access.

The project planning includes the construction of 21 stations, comprising three at the western end in Pomona. These stations will offer connections to other transportation options, such as Metrolink and Omnitrans bus lines.

Benefits for Travelers and the Environment

The West Valley Connector bus rapid transit project provides numerous benefits for travelers and the environment. The direct link to Ontario International Airport and the planned high-speed rail train to Las Vegas will provide travelers with more convenient and affordable options. The lower cost of travel on the bus line will also make it more accessible to a larger pool of people.

In addition, the project will contribute to a reduction in vehicle emissions and help alleviate traffic congestion. Using dedicated bus lanes and priority during rush hour will enable the bus line to move more efficiently and quickly through the area and reduce passenger travel time.

Conclusion

The West Valley Connector bus rapid transit project will boost the traveling experience for the eastern San Gabriel Valley residents. The direct link to Ontario International Airport and the more cost-effective travel options will make travel easier, especially for people who often need public transport.