Author: Cheri Holsclaw

Everyone rides for free on February 4^th! Every bus, every train, everywhere in San Bernardino County.

In honor of Transit Equity Day, the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority is sponsoring free bus and train fares for everyone boarding San Bernardino County transit providers within the county. Transit Equity Day is celebrated worldwide on February 4th to mark the birthday of Rosa Parks, who would have turned 110 this year. It was Parks, a Black seamstress in Montgomery, Alabama, who famously refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in December 1955. Her simple act of protest launched a local bus boycott as well as global recognition of social inequalities. As a result of her actions, transit systems and communities worldwide became more equitable.

“In addition to celebrating Parks’ memory,” says SBCTA Board President Art Bishop, “Transit Equity Day gives the opportunity to focus on how public transit systems make our communities fairer.”  Transit Equity Day offers a day off from paying fares for regular transit users and gives the transit-curious a no-charge chance to explore transportation options.

We hope to see you on the bus on February 4^th!

BASIN TRANSIT SURPASSES 200 DAYS ACCIDENT-FREE ONCE AGAIN

Basin Transit is proud to exceed 200 days collision and injury free as of November 1^st. Basin Transit takes pride in knowing that each of its operators and maintenance employees have not been involved in a preventable collision. This accomplishment also includes any injury that could have been considered preventable.

“I am extremely proud of our team for their hard work and dedication to safety,” said General Manager, Cheri Holsclaw. “They make sure everyone arrives at their destination safely all while keeping them on schedule, checking fares, remembering stop requests, and handling our weather and traffic conditions.”

Basin Transit currently has 43 employees and operates a fleet consisting of 24 buses throughout the greater Morongo Basin and Lower Desert. Basin Transit has been serving the Morongo Basin for over 30 years. If you would like to join their team, please visit www.basin-transit.com/careers.

September 26, 2022, CA: The Basin Transit board wrapped up a brief but action filled meeting at its Joshua Tree headquarters where it doled out Transportation Assistance grants to a slew of Basin non-profits and received a year end presentation on finances and ridership from staff.

The Transportation Assistance Grant (TAG) program is funded by a procurement services program administered by Basin Transit wherein bus purchases throughout the state by other agencies are made via a set of vehicle contracts solicited for by the agency. A fee for usage of the contract is charged by Basin Transit which is used to augment the agency’s finances and fund the TAG program.

“This is a unique opportunity for Basin Transit to partner with our non-profit agencies to provide the local community with vital resources they may otherwise not have”  says Basin Transit Chair Merl Abel.  “From access to healthcare providers and mental health advocates to food security and educational resources, these grants will leverage public resources for the underserved in our communities.  It is one of our most rewarding initiatives undertaken each year.”

This year, the Basin Transit board made awards totaling $83,992 providing financial support to Reach Out Morongo Basin, Copper Mountain College Foundation, Morongo Basin Health Care District, Unity Home, The Way Station, The Morongo Basin Unified School District and Pacific Clinics.

The agency marked the 10^th year of program since initiation. Since 2012, $808,882 has been disbursed to various non-profits in the Morongo Basin.

Morongo Basin Transit Authority, usually referred to as MBTA, is shedding its old skin and taking on a new, brighter and bolder identity as Basin Transit.  The change in name and logo was motivated by the purchase of new buses and was guided by the system’s Board of Directors.

Cheri Holsclaw was appointed as the system’s general manager just in time to spearhead the rebranding effort.  She says, “This has been a really exciting project.  I’ve been with  MBTA for almost 15 years and have seen a lot of positive changes as the system has grown and modernized.  This new brand reflects both our ongoing connection to the Morongo Basin environment and the modern fleet and technology which make us an efficient transportation option for the basin’s residents.”

The first bus with a bold red color and the new lizard logo will be showcased at the Farmer’s Market on Saturday, October 1^st in 29 Palms. Everyone will have a chance to climb on board and check out the new ride. New buses will start being seen on the street in September, and over the next six months, the entire fleet, as well as bus stop signs, will metamorphose into the new identity.

“With this rebranding effort, Basin Transit’s new identity will catch the eyes of Morongo Basin residents and call attention to the tremendous value and service provided by the public transportation system,” says Basin Transit Chair Merl Abel. “We are looking forward to supporting the Basin Transit system as it continues to provide efficient, environmentally friendly transportation options to Morongo Basin residents.”

Basin Transit’s service and fares will remain unchanged.  The transit system serves Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree, 29 Palms, Landers, Copper Mountain College and MCAGCC.  It also provides intercity service to Palm Springs, including a stop near the airport.

NEWPORT BEACH, CA – Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (NASDAQ: CLNE) announced it continues to meet the growing demand for renewable natural gas (RNG), a sustainable transportation fuel made from organic waste, with new fueling contracts, infrastructure expansions, and RNG production projects.

Basin Transit of California signed an RNG supply agreement for an anticipated 750,000 gallons of RNG to power 24 transit buses.

Basin Transit General Manager, Cheri Holsclaw, stated that the switch to RNG helps Basin Transit comply with more stringent air quality standards required by the California Clean Air Act and will not result in any additional cost to the agency. The Basin Transit has operated an all CNG-powered fleet since 2004.

“We applaud Basin Transit for adopting sustainable renewable natural gas to power its fleet,” said Chad Lindholm, senior vice president of sales, Clean Energy. “In doing so they are making an immediate and significant carbon reduction and bettering the air quality in the region.”

The Basin Transit’s Board of Directors unanimously appointed Cheri Holsclaw as General Manager on March 24^th, making her the first female General Manager since 1995. Holsclaw will oversee an organization of 40 employees who operate 9 deviated fixed-routes and 5 demand response services and maintains a fleet of 24 vehicles, all of which operate on Compressed Natural Gas.

Holsclaw has lived with her husband and two children in Yucca Valley for the last 22 years. She joined Basin Transit in November 2007 managing grants and finances. She said “I am honored and excited to assume this role. I look forward to supporting the Board of Directors, our employees, and the community.”

Projects on the horizon include the rebranding of Basin Transit, improvements to essential bus stops, and transitioning their entire fleet to zero emissions. Holsclaw began the Transportation Reimbursement Escort Program (TREP) in the Morongo Basin with 5310 grant funding and envisions Basin Transit having more community involvement in the years to come.

Photo Credit: Vikas Sharma

WE OFFER PAID TRAINING!

Basin Transit is looking for safe, dependable, customer service-oriented Coach Operators to work for us.

Benefit options include retirement, medical, vision & dental and on-the-job paid training.

You can apply by picking up an application at 62405 Verbena Rd in Joshua Tree, Monday through Friday between 8am-5pm, click here to print and complete the application or apply through indeed.com. Please include a current Motor Vehicle and Criminal Record Standards Report with your application.

Minimum Requirements:

• Must successfully complete a drug screen, DOT physical and employment background verification
• Possess a valid Driver’s License
• Be at least 21 years of age
• Be able to speak, read and write English
• Have a good driving record
• Ability to work with diverse groups of people in a positive, non-defensive and objective manner.
• Constant awareness of environment.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to change.

WE HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Basin Transit rolled out a new mobile fare system that allows Morongo Basin area riders the ability to purchase a bus pass from their smartphone. All of the passes that riders are accustomed to purchasing from the driver now can be purchased through the Free Token Transit app using a smartphone and a credit or debit card.