News Release
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Janet Sanders
Office: (661) 869-6304
Cell: (661) 428-5801
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 2019
Golden Empire Transit RYDE Extends Pilot Program through 2020
Bakersfield, CA — Golden Empire Transit District (GET) is excited to extend the pilot program (RYDE) through December 2020. RYDE offers an on-demand transportation service.
Much smaller than a typical 40-foot bus, the RYDE shuttle (wheelchair-accessible and comfortably accommodate six 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,” said Karen King, GET’s CEO. “RYDE offers tremendous potential to expand GET’s service areas, 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 from a mobile app or by calling GET at 661-869-6380. Riders are able to download the TransLoc app (free from Google Play or the App Store) to explore the new service in real time.
The TransLoc app was developed by the rideshare company TransLoc which is partnering with GET to provide the pilot program. Through the TransLoc partnership, GET is embracing new approaches when providing public transit options to enhance the Bakersfield’s community by bringing greater economic vitality, greener environmental stability and a higher quality of life. Microtransit represents this next wave of innovation, merging flexible and fixed transit to better serve GET customers and their community. Visit www.RYDEBakerfield.com for additional information about the pilot program or to download the TransLoc app.
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).
