News Release
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jill Smith
Office: 661.869.6307
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2019
Golden Empire Transit District Offers Loyalty Program to “RYDERS”
Bakersfield, CA — The Golden Empire Transit District (GET) on-demand pilot project (RYDE) had its highest single-day ridership to-date on Wednesday, August 7, with 110 custom “RYDES” taken. A total of 2,109 “RYDES” were taken in southwest Bakersfield during the fourth month of the nine-month pilot, bringing the total number of “RYDES” provided since the service’s April 7, 2019, launch to 5,571.
As popularity of the service continues to grow, GET is offering a loyalty punch card for RYDE users offering one free custom trip after ten paid “RYDES.” Customers can pick up the RYDE loyalty card onboard any RYDE vehicle.
“Residents realize that RYDE is more affordable than Uber or Lyft, which is making this program very popular with those who rely on ride-hailing services,” said Karen King, GET’s CEO. “What sets RYDE apart from the competition is that trips are only $3.50 and all of the drivers are professionally trained.” Bakersfield residents in the southwest area have been using RYDE to travel for school, work, and pleasure. GET will continue to monitor the use of RYDE to determine possible service area expansions in the next year.
Customers can book a RYDE using the Microtransit app or by calling GET at 661.869.6380. “Booking a RYDE using the Microtransit app is currently the most popular way for customers to book a ride,” said King, who would also like to remind customers that they can catch a RYDE simply by approaching a RYDE vehicle and telling the driver where they would like to travel. RYDE is available in southwest Bakersfield (generally defined by Hwy 99, Panama Ln, Old River Rd, and Rosedale Hwy).
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).
