Ontario International Airport officials welcomed free Lyft rides which are now available between Ontario International Airport (ONT) and four Metrolink train stations, giving airport customers another cost-effective option to reach passenger terminals.
The $396,000 pilot program, which went into effect this month, is funded by the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) in partnership with Omnitrans, Metrolink and Lyft, the exclusive app-based ride-hail service provider to ONT.
The program allows for Lyft rides of up to $35 to or from Metrolink stations at Montclair, Upland, Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario-East and is designed to increase public transportation ridership to ONT. Fares are charged by Lyft directly to SBCTA.
Alan D. Wapner, president of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) Board of Commissioners, immediate past president of SBCTA and a member of the Ontario City Council, cheered the partnership as an important next step in helping ONT meet the air travel needs of one of the fastest-growing population and economic centers in the United States.
“A big part of what distinguishes Ontario airport is its access and convenience and, as an airport authority, we are committed to exploring all options which enable us to maintain that competitive edge, increase commuter and transit options, and promote sound growth as we continue to development of Southern California’s newest aviation gateway,” Wapner said.
SBCTA President Darcy McNaboe noted that local control of the Inland Empire airport has spurred significant, positive change for one of our county’s greatest economic assets.
“To enthusiastically support this change, we are creating a pilot program that helps connect transit to the airport. The information we gather from this program will help us develop future connections that will ease congestion, improve communities, and continue to make San Bernardino County great.”
The Montclair, Upland and Rancho Cucamonga train stations are on Metrolink’s San Bernardino Line, while the Ontario-East Station is part of Metrolink’s Riverside Line.
“Using Metrolink to connect through Lyft to Ontario International Airport makes sense for travelers as we have 52 trains that make stops Monday through Friday at the stations where the Lyft partnership is offered,” said Metrolink Board Chair Brian Humphrey. “Customers also have weekend options on the San Bernardino Line where Metrolink has 20 trains that stop at the stations on Saturday and 14 trains on Sunday.”
Air travelers are eligible for the free Lyft ride to ONT by entering GOSBCTA into their mobile app or state the code when calling into the concierge. The origin and destination must match the parameters of the participating station and riders must be standing within a geo-fenced boundary that is limited to the station platform and designated drop-off/pick-up areas within the station.
