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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.

Project Proposal must be received by Friday, August 19, 2022 at 5:00 pm.

TAG PROGRAM GUIDELINES & APPLICATION 2022-2023

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.