Golden Empire Transit
Encyclopedia
Golden Empire Transit is the operator of mass transportation in Bakersfield
, California
. There are 18 routes serving Greater Bakersfield, which includes both the City of Bakersfield and adjacent unincorporated communities. It, however, does not serve Rio Bravo. Although apart of the city, the area is to rural for urban bus service. Since 2005, the entire bus fleet is powered by compressed natural gas
.
The government agency is an independent transit agency, and is not directly associated with either the City of Bakersfield or the County of Kern. However, it does coordinated with both the city and county, as well as the Kern Council of Governments (which represents most local governments in the county). It is also the direct descendent of the Bakersfield and Kern Electric Railway
, which originally provided streetcar service to the city.
). However, yearly losses resulted in the city acquiring it in 1956, under the new name Bakersfield Transit Agency. The city made little investments in the system. Already suffering from deferred maintenance from the previous owner, the lack of investment resulted in the system sinking into further disrepair. Operating losses were also increasing.
In 1973, voters approved a measure which established the Golden Empire Transit district. It would take over ownership and operation of the Bakersfield Transit Agency. The new transit district started purchasing new equipment. It also eliminated unnecessary routes. In 1987, the transit authority would undergo its first major alteration in the system. Previously, routes were running in circular routes. The company changed to a hub system. Now, buses would run on linear paths, and would generally only loop back when the bus needed to change direction. They would also run between transit hubs. The first was located downtown (Downtown Transit Center). Later a second was added at the Valley Plaza Mall
, in the Southwest (Southwest Transit Center).
, North and East
Bakersfield. It is located in Downtown Bakersfield
, in between Chester Avenue and Eye Street, on 22nd Street. It is the largest transit center in the system, encompassing 1/2 of a city block. It has 15 off-street bus parking spaces. The transit center is staffed and includes restrooms, and shaded outdoor waiting areas.
In addition to Golden Empire Transit, Kern Regional Transit
also uses the transit center for one of its hubs. They currently have 6 routes that stop at it, although not all routes run 7-days a week. Their buses do not have bus parking spaces and instead park on Chester Avenue, in front of the transit center.
The transit center was constructed in the mid 1980's. It is currently at capacity, with no room available for growth. It has been suggested that the transit center be move to the future High speed rail station, located adjacent to the Amtrak Station. This would allow for additional room for expansion.
, South, and Southeast Bakersfield. It is located on Wible Road south of Ming Avenue, directly adjacent to Valley Plaza Mall
. It has 7 off-street bus parking spaces. The transit center is unstaffed and contains restrooms and shaded waiting areas.
The transit center was constructed in the mid-1990's. It is currently over-capacity, with three bus spaces being shared with two bus routes each (at different times). In addition, two bus routes stop on Wible Road, north of the transit center. There is no room for expansion. In the past, it had been suggested moving the transit center to a new location, but those plans have been shelved in favor of other priorities.
To complement the bus system, there is also a network of bike paths and bike lanes. The Kern River Bike Path is a dedicated bike path that runs along the Kern River in the Kern River Parkway
. It travels through almost the entire length of the city. Several spur routes diverge from the bike path, serving other locations such as California State University, Bakersfield
. In addition, many 1-mile spaced arterials have dedicated, striped bike lanes. The width of the lane depends on whether on-street parking is allowed.
*Single ride is valid for one bus ride with no transfer. Only valid on bus routes without a X in the route number.
**Express are routes with an X in the route number.
***Unlimited rides for people 18 years and younger on all routes except with a X in the route number. Valid from June through August.
Golden Empire Transit currently uses GFI Odyssey fare box machines on its standard buses. They validate all US Coins and paper money through $20 bill, although it does not give change. It also validates all ride passes used on fixed routes. GET-a-Lift service does not use any fare boxes, instead fares are paid directly to the driver. GET-a-Lift multi-ride passes are punch cards, and do not have a magnetic strip.
There are several features of the Odyssey machines that GET are not currently using, but could be implemented in the future. They include: processing credit cards, providing change in the form of printing pre-paid cards, deducting from pre-paid cards, and printing/validating transfer slips. Some of these features would require changes to GET's fare structure.
GET ride passes can be purchased with a variety methods. They can be bought in person at the Downtown Transit Center or GET headquarters on Golden State Avenue. They are also available at a variety of partner retail stores throughout the city (listed on their web site). Passes can also be purchased by mail or by phone.
. The standard buses have a 38-seat capacity, and a low floor design to assist with handicapped passengers. The demand buses have a 9-seat capacity, and have a wheelchair lift in the rear.
As part of its 2009 rebranding, GET is transitioning to a new bus color scheme. The paint scheme is blue, with a green bottom. A wavy yellow line separates the blue and green space. Near the front, the green section is wide enough for the "sunburst" GET logo. Only the newer buses have it. The older paint scheme is entirely white, with a red strip through the center. There is a break in the line for the old "fast transit" GET logo, which was in use from 1973-2009. Based on the replacement schedule, all of the buses will transition to the new scheme by 2015.
In addition, GET owns a variety of service vehicles. These range from sedans, to pickup trucks, to small flat bed trucks. There is also one tow truck in the fleet. These vehicles are generally number between1 and 99.
(on the north frontage road). GET moved here after outgrowing the previous facility located at the corner of Union Avenue and 19th Street. Except between 1909 and 1920, that location had been used for maintenance and storage since 1887 (first for streetcars and later for buses). The current location also contains the headquarters for the transit authority. In addition to containing parking for the entire fleet, it also contains shops, bus wash, and cleaning facilities.
Bakersfield, California
Bakersfield is a city near the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley in Kern County, California. It is roughly equidistant between Fresno and Los Angeles, to the north and south respectively....
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. There are 18 routes serving Greater Bakersfield, which includes both the City of Bakersfield and adjacent unincorporated communities. It, however, does not serve Rio Bravo. Although apart of the city, the area is to rural for urban bus service. Since 2005, the entire bus fleet is powered by compressed natural gas
Compressed natural gas
Compressed natural gas is a fossil fuel substitute for gasoline , diesel, or propane/LPG. Although its combustion does produce greenhouse gases, it is a more environmentally clean alternative to those fuels, and it is much safer than other fuels in the event of a spill...
.
The government agency is an independent transit agency, and is not directly associated with either the City of Bakersfield or the County of Kern. However, it does coordinated with both the city and county, as well as the Kern Council of Governments (which represents most local governments in the county). It is also the direct descendent of the Bakersfield and Kern Electric Railway
Bakersfield and Kern Electric Railway
The Bakersfield and Kern Electric Railway was a streetcar company which operated between Bakersfield and Sumner , in California. Later, after Kern City was annexed by Bakersfield, the streetcar company operated completely in Bakersfield. The company was originally formed in 1887, under the name...
, which originally provided streetcar service to the city.
History
Prior to the mid-1950's, public transportation in Bakersfield was provided by a private company named the Bakersfield Transit Company (formerly the Bakersfield and Kern Electric RailwayBakersfield and Kern Electric Railway
The Bakersfield and Kern Electric Railway was a streetcar company which operated between Bakersfield and Sumner , in California. Later, after Kern City was annexed by Bakersfield, the streetcar company operated completely in Bakersfield. The company was originally formed in 1887, under the name...
). However, yearly losses resulted in the city acquiring it in 1956, under the new name Bakersfield Transit Agency. The city made little investments in the system. Already suffering from deferred maintenance from the previous owner, the lack of investment resulted in the system sinking into further disrepair. Operating losses were also increasing.
In 1973, voters approved a measure which established the Golden Empire Transit district. It would take over ownership and operation of the Bakersfield Transit Agency. The new transit district started purchasing new equipment. It also eliminated unnecessary routes. In 1987, the transit authority would undergo its first major alteration in the system. Previously, routes were running in circular routes. The company changed to a hub system. Now, buses would run on linear paths, and would generally only loop back when the bus needed to change direction. They would also run between transit hubs. The first was located downtown (Downtown Transit Center). Later a second was added at the Valley Plaza Mall
Valley Plaza Mall
The Valley Plaza Mall is a major retail shopping mall in Bakersfield, California. It is the largest mall in the San Joaquin Valley. The mall is owned by General Growth Properties, a real estate development of over 200 regional shopping malls around the United States. Valley Plaza Mall has 5 anchor...
, in the Southwest (Southwest Transit Center).
Routes
- 1 Olive Drive/Bakersfield College
- 2 Chester Avenue/Oildale
- 3 Downtown
- 4 Bakersfield College/Downtown
- 5 Bakersfield College/Valley Plaza
- 6 Valley Plaza/East Hills
- 7 Stockdale/Kern Medical Center
- 8 Foothill/Valley Plaza
- 9 Foothill/Half Moon
- 10 Panama Lakes/Akers
- 11 Cal State/Bakersfield College
- 12 Westchester
- 13 Greenfield/Valley Plaza
- 14 Rosedale/Cal State
- 15 Mervyn/Valley Plaza
- 16 Replaced by Rt. 10
- 17 Crosstown Express
- 18 Rosedale Connector
- 25 Westchester/Valley Plaza Weekends
- 26 Rosedale/Cal State Weekends
- x92 Tejon Complex Express
Downtown Transit Center
The Downtown Transit Center is the transit center primarily serving NorthwestNorthwest Bakersfield
Northwest Bakersfield is the northwest region of Bakersfield, California. It is bounded by the Kern River/Stockdale Hwy to the south and state route 99 to the east. The other boundaries are the city limits....
, North and East
East Bakersfield
East Bakersfield is a region in Bakersfield, California directly east of downtown. The region was the former town of Sumner, which was later incorporated and renamed Kern City. It is primarily a mixture of residential and commercial developments...
Bakersfield. It is located in Downtown Bakersfield
Downtown Bakersfield
Downtown in the central business district for Bakersfield, California. Located in the heart of the city, it is easily accessible from all its other parts. It is also reemerging as the center of Bakersfield’s arts, culture and entertainment sectors...
, in between Chester Avenue and Eye Street, on 22nd Street. It is the largest transit center in the system, encompassing 1/2 of a city block. It has 15 off-street bus parking spaces. The transit center is staffed and includes restrooms, and shaded outdoor waiting areas.
In addition to Golden Empire Transit, Kern Regional Transit
Kern Regional Transit
Kern Regional Transit is the operator of mass transportation in Kern County, California. Primarily, it provides inter-regional transportation, connecting outlying regions with the City of Bakersfield...
also uses the transit center for one of its hubs. They currently have 6 routes that stop at it, although not all routes run 7-days a week. Their buses do not have bus parking spaces and instead park on Chester Avenue, in front of the transit center.
The transit center was constructed in the mid 1980's. It is currently at capacity, with no room available for growth. It has been suggested that the transit center be move to the future High speed rail station, located adjacent to the Amtrak Station. This would allow for additional room for expansion.
Southwest Transit Center
The Southwest Transit Center is the transit center primarily serving SouthwestSouthwest Bakersfield
Southwest Bakersfield is the southwest region of Bakersfield, California. It is roughly bounded by the Kern River to the north and Oak St/Wible Rd. to the east...
, South, and Southeast Bakersfield. It is located on Wible Road south of Ming Avenue, directly adjacent to Valley Plaza Mall
Valley Plaza Mall
The Valley Plaza Mall is a major retail shopping mall in Bakersfield, California. It is the largest mall in the San Joaquin Valley. The mall is owned by General Growth Properties, a real estate development of over 200 regional shopping malls around the United States. Valley Plaza Mall has 5 anchor...
. It has 7 off-street bus parking spaces. The transit center is unstaffed and contains restrooms and shaded waiting areas.
The transit center was constructed in the mid-1990's. It is currently over-capacity, with three bus spaces being shared with two bus routes each (at different times). In addition, two bus routes stop on Wible Road, north of the transit center. There is no room for expansion. In the past, it had been suggested moving the transit center to a new location, but those plans have been shelved in favor of other priorities.
Bicycle transportation
All Golden Empire Transit buses are equipped with bike racks. Each rack can hold two bicycles. If the rack is full, the driver may allow bicycles to be carried on the bus, if there is room. Otherwise, bicycle riders must wait for the next bus. Most bus stops and all transit centers do not have bicycle racks or storage lockers.To complement the bus system, there is also a network of bike paths and bike lanes. The Kern River Bike Path is a dedicated bike path that runs along the Kern River in the Kern River Parkway
Kern River Parkway
The Kern River Parkway is primarily a natural preserve in Bakersfield, California. It runs the length of the Kern River from the mouth of the Kern Canyon to Interstate 5. At 6,000 acres, it is the largest municipal park in the county...
. It travels through almost the entire length of the city. Several spur routes diverge from the bike path, serving other locations such as California State University, Bakersfield
California State University, Bakersfield
California State University, Bakersfield is a public university located in Bakersfield, California, United States which was founded in 1965. CSUB opened in 1970 on a campus, becoming the 19th school in the California State University system...
. In addition, many 1-mile spaced arterials have dedicated, striped bike lanes. The width of the lane depends on whether on-street parking is allowed.
The Reading Express
The Reading Express is a program provided by Golden Empire Transit. Most buses are equipped with a small library of books for children from infant through third grade. The program is design for parents to read with their children while riding together on the bus. This also promotes education, as well as providing entertainment while traveling. Books can not be borrowed and must remain on the bus.Fare and fare collection
The following are Golden Empire Transit fares, effective August 1, 2011:| Fare Type | Regular | Senior /Disabled /Medicare |
|---|---|---|
| Single Ride* | $1.25 | $0.75 |
| Express Single Ride** | $1.50 | $0.75 |
| GET-a-Lift Single Ride | n/a | $2.50 |
| GET-a-Lift 10-Ride Pass | n/a | $25.00 |
| Regular Day Pass | $3.00 | $1.50 |
| 31 Day Pass | $36.00 | $18.00 |
| Express 31 Day Pass** | $50.00 | $18.00 |
| Summer Youth Pass*** | $50.00 | n/a |
*Single ride is valid for one bus ride with no transfer. Only valid on bus routes without a X in the route number.
**Express are routes with an X in the route number.
***Unlimited rides for people 18 years and younger on all routes except with a X in the route number. Valid from June through August.
Golden Empire Transit currently uses GFI Odyssey fare box machines on its standard buses. They validate all US Coins and paper money through $20 bill, although it does not give change. It also validates all ride passes used on fixed routes. GET-a-Lift service does not use any fare boxes, instead fares are paid directly to the driver. GET-a-Lift multi-ride passes are punch cards, and do not have a magnetic strip.
There are several features of the Odyssey machines that GET are not currently using, but could be implemented in the future. They include: processing credit cards, providing change in the form of printing pre-paid cards, deducting from pre-paid cards, and printing/validating transfer slips. Some of these features would require changes to GET's fare structure.
GET ride passes can be purchased with a variety methods. They can be bought in person at the Downtown Transit Center or GET headquarters on Golden State Avenue. They are also available at a variety of partner retail stores throughout the city (listed on their web site). Passes can also be purchased by mail or by phone.
Fleet
Golden Empire Transit's bus fleet generally consist of two types of buses, 40' standard buses for fix routes and 21' for demand buses (GET-a-Lift service). The entire fleet is powered by compressed natural gasCompressed natural gas
Compressed natural gas is a fossil fuel substitute for gasoline , diesel, or propane/LPG. Although its combustion does produce greenhouse gases, it is a more environmentally clean alternative to those fuels, and it is much safer than other fuels in the event of a spill...
. The standard buses have a 38-seat capacity, and a low floor design to assist with handicapped passengers. The demand buses have a 9-seat capacity, and have a wheelchair lift in the rear.
As part of its 2009 rebranding, GET is transitioning to a new bus color scheme. The paint scheme is blue, with a green bottom. A wavy yellow line separates the blue and green space. Near the front, the green section is wide enough for the "sunburst" GET logo. Only the newer buses have it. The older paint scheme is entirely white, with a red strip through the center. There is a break in the line for the old "fast transit" GET logo, which was in use from 1973-2009. Based on the replacement schedule, all of the buses will transition to the new scheme by 2015.
In addition, GET owns a variety of service vehicles. These range from sedans, to pickup trucks, to small flat bed trucks. There is also one tow truck in the fleet. These vehicles are generally number between1 and 99.
Maintenance facility
Golden Empire Transit's Maintenance Facility is located on Golden State Highway, next to the Kern RiverKern River
The Kern River is a river in the U.S. state of California, approximately long. It drains an area of the southern Sierra Nevada mountains northeast of Bakersfield. Fed by snowmelt near Mount Whitney, the river passes through scenic canyons in the mountains and is a popular destination for...
(on the north frontage road). GET moved here after outgrowing the previous facility located at the corner of Union Avenue and 19th Street. Except between 1909 and 1920, that location had been used for maintenance and storage since 1887 (first for streetcars and later for buses). The current location also contains the headquarters for the transit authority. In addition to containing parking for the entire fleet, it also contains shops, bus wash, and cleaning facilities.