FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jill Smith
Office: 661.869.6307

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 18, 2019

Golden Empire Transit Partners with Cooling Centers in Kern County

Bakersfield, CA —Golden Empire Transit District (GET), in collaboration with the Kern County Parks Division and the Department of Aging and Adult Services, will be driving customers to open Cooling Centers in Bakersfield when local temperatures are forecast to be 105 degrees or higher. The centers will be open from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:

• East Bakersfield Veterans Building, 2101 Ridge Road
• East Niles Senior Center, 6601 E. Niles Street
• The Mission at Kern County, 816 E. 21st Street

“For the health, safety, and comfort of our residents, GET is partnering with the Cooling Centers to get customers out of the heat and into a cooler and safer place for the day,” said Karen King, GET’s CEO. “Residents are encouraged to call GET-A-Lift at 869.6363 to schedule a ride when the temperatures are dangerous.” The Cooling Centers Daily Report will be issued by 11:00 a.m. the day before the Centers open. Weekend Cooling Center openings will be released by 11:00 a.m. on Friday. Residents are also encouraged to look for report information on the GET Facebook Page, call our customer service line at 869-2438, or visit https://www.kerncounty.com/pio/coolingcenters.aspx

GET was formed in July 1973 and is the primary public transportation provider for the Bakersfield Urbanized Area. It is the largest public transit system within a 110-mile radius. The District’s legal boundary includes Bakersfield city limits as well as adjacent unincorporated areas. GET has a fleet of 90 compressed natural gas buses equipped with wheelchair lifts and bike racks. GET serves 16 routes, operating 7 days a week and transporting more than 6 million passengers each year with its fixed-route buses. In addition, GET operates 21 compressed natural gas GET-A-Lift buses. For more information, visit www.getbus.org or call 869.2GET (2438).

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jill Smith
Office: 661.869.6307

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2019

Golden Empire Transit Summer Youth Pass Social Media Contest

Bakersfield, CA —Golden Empire Transit District (GET) is awarding GET Summer Youth Passes to randomly selected followers on social media who post photos and stories of how they are using the 2019 Summer Youth Pass (SYP). GET is prompting followers to post their bus experience on either their Facebook or Instagram personal pages or the Golden Empire Transit (GET bus) page using the hashtag #GETSYP.

“We are so proud of our hard-working youth in Bakersfield, and we’re glad the Summer Youth Pass provides them with safe, affordable, and reliable transportation during their summer break,” said Karen King, GET’s CEO. “Let’s award some passes to help them celebrate their summer.”

The twenty-dollar SYP provides unlimited rides to summer school, jobs, and fun activities during the month of purchase and is available to riders six to 20 years old for use in June, July, and August.

The SYP is available for purchase by youth riders and/or their caregivers on mobile devices using the Token Transit app available on Google Play and at the Apple App Store. Caregivers and family members or friends of young riders can even “send a pass” from Token Transit to riders by entering the recipient’s phone number at the time of purchase. Primary, secondary and college-aged riders and their parents or caregivers can also purchase passes at the GET main office and the Downtown Transit Center.

GET was formed in July 1973 and is the primary public transportation provider for the Bakersfield Urbanized Area. It is the largest public transit system within a 110-mile radius. The District’s legal boundary includes Bakersfield city limits as well as adjacent unincorporated areas. GET has a fleet of 90 compressed natural gas buses equipped with wheelchair lifts and bike racks. GET serves 16 routes, operating 7 days a week and transporting more than 6 million passengers each year with its fixed-route buses. In addition, GET operates 21 compressed natural gas GET-A-Lift buses. For more information, visit www.getbus.org or call 869.2GET (2438).

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jill Smith
Office: 661.869.6307

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 5, 2019

Golden Empire Transit Launches FlixBus Service at Downtown Transit Center

Bakersfield, CA —Golden Empire Transit District (GET) is increasing regional mobility access with the introduction of FlixBus, a long distance bus service with travel from Bakersfield to destinations such as Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. The FlixBus will provide 17 daily trips in and out of the Bakersfield Downtown Transit Center starting June 6, 2019.

FlixBus was founded in Germany in 2013, with a vision of making sustainable bus travel both comfortable and affordable. In 2015, FlixBus expanded internationally with long-distance networks in France, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands and Croatia, as well as cross-border regular services to Norway, Spain and England. FlixBus USA launched in 2018, providing America with a new alternative in long-distance travel.

(A FlixBus driver scans a mobile ticket purchased on the FlixBus app.)

“We are excited to offer this service to GET customers,” said Deidre Brown, GET’s COO. “Bakersfield residents can now take a GET bus to the Downtown Transit Center and hop on a FlixBus for safe and affordable travel to premium destinations.”

FlixBus tickets can be purchased at the Downtown Transit Center, on the FlixBus app, or on the FlixBus website. In addition to unbeatable travel prices, the FlixBus has well-trained, experienced drivers and provides comfortable seats, bathroom facilities, and free Wi-Fi.

Travelers can connect with the FlixBus via any GET bus that stops at the Downtown Transit Center (Routes 81, 82, 84, 45, 43, 42, 22, and X92). For more information, visit https://www.flixbus.com/.

GET was formed in July 1973 and is the primary public transportation provider for the Bakersfield Urbanized Area. It is the largest public transit system within a 110-mile radius. The District’s legal boundary includes Bakersfield city limits as well as adjacent unincorporated areas. GET has a fleet of 90 compressed natural gas buses equipped with wheelchair lifts and bike racks. GET serves 16 routes, operating 7 days a week and transporting more than 6 million passengers each year with its fixed-route buses. In addition, GET operates 21 compressed natural gas GET-A-Lift buses. For more information, visit www.getbus.org or call 869.2GET (2438).

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Deekay Fox
Office: (661) 869-6304
Cell: (661) 378-2353

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2019

Golden Empire Transit Offers Half-Off Passes to New Riders

Bakersfield, CA —Golden Empire Transit District (GET) is offering unlimited rides to new riders for $21 for the month of purchase through the Half-Off Pass (HOP) Program, which is 50% off the regular cost of a monthly pass. 1,500 HOP passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis until September 30, 2019.

The HOP Pass is funded by a $30,000 grant from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (Valley Air District) as part of Valley Air District’s efforts to improve the health and quality of life for all Valley residents.

“The HOP Pass is a great way for residents new to transit to give GET a try and help improve our air quality,” said Karen King, GET’s CEO. “GET is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving mobility.” GET recently acquired 24 new compressed natural gas (CNG) buses that are 90 percent cleaner than current EPA emission standards.

First-time riders must verify their new rider eligibility at the GET Administration office at 1830 Golden State Avenue in order to purchase the half-price monthly pass by filling out a form. A new rider is defined as someone who has been riding GET for less than six months or has never ridden before. A photo ID is required and the offer is only available while grant funding lasts. The HOP pass can be used on all GET routes and is ideal for transportation to and from school, appointments or work. Please contact 661.869.2438 if you have questions. It is a great way to start riding the GET bus!

GET was formed in July 1973 and is the primary public transportation provider for the Bakersfield Urbanized Area. It is the largest public transit system within a 110-mile radius. The District’s legal boundary includes Bakersfield city limits as well as adjacent unincorporated areas. GET has a fleet of 90 compressed natural gas buses equipped with wheelchair lifts and bike racks. GET serves 16 routes, operating 7 days a week and transporting more than 6 million passengers each year with its fixed-route buses. In addition, GET operates 21 compressed natural gas GET-A-Lift buses. For more information, visit www.getbus.org or call 869.2GET (2438).

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Deekay Fox
Office: (661) 869-6304
Cell: (661) 378-2353

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2019

Golden Empire Transit is CAPK’s Volunteer of the Year!

Bakersfield, CA —Golden Empire Transit District (GET) was awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award at the Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) Humanitarian Awards Banquet on Thursday, May 9, 2019. The event was held at the Friendship House Community Center.

“Volunteers step beyond themselves to make a difference in the community,” said CAPK CEO Jeremy Tobias. “GET has exceeded its mission, choosing to help others make a difference in the community as well.”

GET staff was recognized by Tobias for repeatedly volunteering to help the CAPK Food Bank collect and distribute food through its annual Stuff the Bus event. This year’s event was held in March and GET shattered previous collection records by delivering over 9,000 pounds of food to CAPK. This was 3,000 more than two years ago.

Tobias also recognized GET’s quarterly Food Distribution events where 350 bags of food are distributed downtown to the disadvantaged community. “GET has put its wheels on the ground to help provide resources to the homeless and disadvantaged populations of Kern County. That is the spirit of these wonderful volunteers,” said Tobias.

Karen King, the District’s CEO, accepted the award on behalf of all GET employees. “Golden Empire Transit is honored to volunteer its resources, people and vehicles to make a difference in the community.”

GET was formed in July 1973 and is the primary public transportation provider for the Bakersfield Urbanized Area. It is the largest public transit system within a 110-mile radius. The District’s legal boundary includes Bakersfield city limits as well as adjacent unincorporated areas. GET has a fleet of 90 compressed natural gas buses equipped with wheelchair lifts and bike racks. GET serves 16 routes, operating 7 days a week and transporting more than 6 million passengers each year with its fixed-route buses. In addition, GET operates 21 compressed natural gas GET-A-Lift buses. For more information, visit www.getbus.org or call 869.2GET (2438).

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Deekay Fox
Office: (661) 869-6304
Cell: (661) 378-2353

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2019

Golden Empire Transit Provides Local Grads Affordable Transportation

Bakersfield, CA —Golden Empire Transit District (GET) extended its Summer Youth Pass (SYP) to include the month of May to provide reliable and affordable transportation to Bakersfield’s student population as schools in the area wrap up the 2019 spring semester. The twenty-dollar SYP provides unlimited rides to summer school, jobs, and fun during the month of purchase and will be available to riders six to 20 years old for use in May, June, July, and August.

“The Summer Youth Pass is an important part of our commitment to GET’s youth riders,” said Karen King, GET’s CEO. “We are so proud of the hard-working students in Bakersfield, and we’d like to congratulate the 2019 graduates from all of our great schools, colleges, and universities.”

The SYP is available for purchase by youth and/or caregivers of youth riders on mobile devices through the Token Transit app, available on Google Play and at the Apple App Store. Caregivers and family members or friends of college students can even “send a pass” from Token Transit to riders by entering the recipient’s phone number at the time of purchase. Primary-, secondary-, and college-aged riders and their parents or caregivers can also purchase passes at the GET main office and the Downtown Transit Center.

GET is hosting a social media contest on Facebook to promote the SYP. Riders who post photos and stories of how they are using the pass along with the hashtag #GETSYP (e.g., going to the movies, park, school, or summer job) will be entered to win a free SYP. The winners will be drawn at random.

GET was formed in July 1973 and is the primary public transportation provider for the Bakersfield Urbanized Area. It is the largest public transit system within a 110-mile radius. The District’s legal boundary includes Bakersfield city limits as well as adjacent unincorporated areas. GET has a fleet of 90 compressed natural gas buses equipped with wheelchair lifts and bike racks. GET serves 16 routes, operating 7 days a week and transporting more than 6 million passengers each year with its fixed-route buses. In addition, GET operates 21 compressed natural gas GET-A-Lift buses. For more information, visit www.getbus.org or call 869.2GET (2438).

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Deekay Fox
Office: (661) 869-6304
Cell: (661) 378-2353

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2019

Golden Empire Transit’s First Month of RYDE

Bakersfield, CA — The Golden Empire Transit District (GET) launched its six-month on-demand pilot project (RYDE) on April 7, 2019. The service is proving to be successful in shaping the future of public transportation in Bakersfield. During the first month of service, 700 custom trips were completed. On March 29, the service hit a record high of 47 trips completed.

Much smaller than a typical 40-foot bus, the RYDE shuttle (wheelchair-accessible, with two bike racks, and comfortably accommodating eight passengers) will take passengers curb-to-curb within a designated zone in the southwest area of Bakersfield (generally defined by Hwy 99, Panama Ln, Old River Rd, and Rosedale Hwy).

“If you enjoy the convenience of services such as Uber or Lyft, then RYDE is the flexible solution with professionally trained drivers you’ve been waiting for,” said Karen King, GET’s CEO. “RYDE offers tremendous potential to expand GET’s service area, attract new riders, fill transportation gaps, and provide more effective sustainable ways to reach low-density communities and other traditionally hard-to-serve areas.”

Customers can book a RYDE using the Microtransit app or by calling GET at 661-869-6380. The Microtransit app was developed by the rideshare company Transloc which is partnering with GET to provide the pilot program. GET will be monitoring the use of RYDE to determine possible service area expansions later this year. Visit www.RYDEBakerfield.com for additional information about the pilot program or to download the Microtransit app and try RYDE for yourself.

GET was formed in July 1973 and is the primary public transportation provider for the Bakersfield Urbanized Area. It is the largest public transit system within a 110-mile radius. The District’s legal boundary includes Bakersfield city limits as well as adjacent unincorporated areas. GET has a fleet of 90 compressed natural gas buses equipped with wheelchair lifts and bike racks. GET serves 16 routes, operating 7 days a week and transporting more than 6 million passengers each year with its fixed-route buses. In addition, GET operates 21 compressed natural gas GET-A-Lift buses. For more information, visit www.getbus.org or call 869.2GET (2438).

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Deekay Fox
Office: (661) 869-6304
Cell: (661) 378-2353
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2019

“Get on Board with GET” – National Get on Board Day!

Bakersfield, CA — Help us showcase the many benefits of public transit on April 25 as we celebrate National Get on Board Day with transit agencies, riders and supporters from across the country.

GET staff will be at the downtown transfer center from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. handing out stickers, promotional items and information flyers about the many benefits of public transportation.

Show your support for transit on April 25!
We ask riders and other local transit advocates to share messages of support with Golden Empire Transit District (GET).
You can get involved in many ways, including:
 Following, sharing and commenting on GET’s National Get on Board Day posts on Facebook, and Instagram.
 Create your own post showing why you support transit or why you ride GET. Use the hashtags #GetonBoard and #OnBoardwithGET.
 Share your message of support with GET employees.
 Let your elected officials know how important public transit is to you.

Thank you!

National Get on Board Day is not only a day to show your support for transit, but it is also a chance for GET to say thank you to our riders and to encourage Bakersfieldians to try riding GET.

The Bakersfield campaign is part of National Get on Board Day, sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), which encourages people to support public transportation by showcasing its benefits to communities and the economy. Each weekday in the U.S., 34 million people board public transportation.

GET was formed in July 1973 and is the primary public transportation provider for the Bakersfield Urbanized Area. It is the largest public transit system within a 110-mile radius. The District’s legal boundary includes Bakersfield city limits as well as adjacent unincorporated areas. GET has a fleet of 90 compressed natural gas buses equipped with wheelchair lifts and bike racks. GET services 16 routes, which operate 7 days a week and transport more than 6 million passengers each year with its fixed route buses. In addition, GET operates 21 compressed natural gas GET-A-Lift buses. GET has an economic impact; every $1.00 GET spends and invests creates $5.80 in return. The International Standards Organization formally recognizes GET for its certified Environmental Management System. For more information, visit www.getbus.org or call 869.2GET (2438).

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Deekay Fox
Office: (661) 869-6304
Cell: (661) 378-2353

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 17, 2019

Golden Empire Transit Summer Youth Passes Available for Purchase
Bakersfield, CA —Golden Empire Transit District (GET) is now selling its popular Summer Youth Pass (SYP). The twenty-dollar pass provides unlimited rides during the month of purchase and will be available to riders six to 20 years old for use in May, June, July, and August.

A 2017 GET Customer and Community Satisfaction Survey found 37 percent of surveyed riders were six to 24 years old, with students making up the largest occupation category. To support this key customer group, GET sees the importance of providing discounted fares for students and children older than six years of age during a time of the year when independent travel is often needed for summer school, child care, or summer jobs. Passes are available for purchase now, and the May pass will be available for use beginning May 1.

“The Summer Youth Pass Program provides a safe and affordable travel option for Bakersfield’s youth,” said Karen King, GET’s CEO. “Summer vacation provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn the skill of independent travel, which can be extremely helpful when parents or caregivers are working and teens need to travel.”

The SYP is available for purchase by youth and/or caregivers of youth riders on mobile devices through the Token Transit app available on Google Play and at the Apple App Store. Caregivers and family members or friends of students can even “send a pass” from Token Transit to riders by entering the recipient’s phone number at the time of purchase. Primary, secondary, and college-aged riders and their parents or caregivers can also purchase passes at the GET main office and the Downtown Transit Center.

GET will be hosting a SYP social media contest on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter beginning May 1 for all SYP customers. Riders who post photos and stories of how they are using the pass along with the hashtag #GETSYP (e.g., going to the movies, park, school, or summer job) will be entered to win a free 2019 Summer Youth Pass. The winners will be drawn at random.

GET was formed in July 1973 and is the primary public transportation provider for the Bakersfield Urbanized Area. It is the largest public transit system within a 110-mile radius. The District’s legal boundary includes Bakersfield city limits as well as adjacent unincorporated areas. GET has a fleet of 90 compressed natural gas buses equipped with wheelchair lifts and bike racks. GET services 16 routes, which operate 7 days a week and transport more than 6 million passengers each year with its fixed route buses. In addition, GET operates 21 compressed natural gas GET-A-Lift buses. GET has an economic impact; every $1.00 GET spends and invests creates $5.80 in return. The International Standards Organization formally recognizes GET for its certified Environmental Management System. For more information, visit www.getbus.org or call 869.2GET (2438).