Author: Chris Ackerman

In honor of Rural Transit Day, Victor Valley Transit is offering FARE FREE rides on all services this Wednesday, July 16th 2025!

That includes:
Fixed Routes
County Routes
Route 15
Direct Access
Micro-Link
(Subscription services not included)

Rural Transit Day, celebrated annually on July 16th, is a day to recognize the vital role of public transportation in rural communities and to acknowledge the passengers and staff of rural transit agencies. It was established in 2019 by National RTAP to highlight the unique needs of rural passengers and the dedicated agencies that serve them. 

Here’s why it’s celebrated:

• Recognizing the importance of rural transit:Rural transit systems connect people to essential services, jobs, healthcare, and community events, playing a crucial role in maintaining the quality of life in rural areas. 
• Highlighting the unique challenges:Rural transit faces unique challenges such as geographic dispersion, lower population density, and limited funding, making it essential to acknowledge the efforts of transit agencies to overcome these obstacles, according to the Federal Transit Administration. 
• Appreciating the staff and passengers:Rural Transit Day is a day to appreciate the staff who operate these vital services and the passengers who rely on them for their daily needs. 
• Promoting community engagement:The day encourages communities to discuss and address the specific transportation needs of rural areas, fostering a culture of support for rural transit.
  
• Showcasing innovation and solutions:Rural Transit Day also serves as a platform to highlight innovative solutions and best practices in rural transportation, like microtransit and shared mobility options. 

In observance of Independence Day, VVTA Bus services will not operate on Friday, July 4, 2025. Please make alternate plans for your transportation needs and we will return serving our customers on Saturday, July 5th.

Administrative offices will reopen on Monday, July 7th.

Exciting news for local students! Starting July 1, 2025, Victor Valley Transit is launching a fare-free transit program in partnership with Barstow Community College. Students simply present their current and valid student ID (Summer 2025 or Fall 2025) to ride at no cost on VVTA’s Fixed Routes, County Routes, and Route 15, providing connections to Victor Valley College, Cal State University San Bernardino, and beyond.

This initiative makes Barstow Community College the latest institution joining Victor Valley College (VVC) and Cal State University San Bernardino (CSUSB) to participate in VVTA’s fare-free transit program. With this expansion, students across the Victor Valley region now enjoy a more accessible, affordable, and sustainable path to higher education.

“We’re proud to collaborate with Barstow Community College to remove financial barriers and support student success,” said VVTA officials. “This fare-free program enhances access to education and reinforces our commitment to community mobility.”

Whether commuting to classes, labs, campus events, or a destination off campus, Barstow Community College students can now ride VVTA buses on select routes simply by showing their Student ID. The move underscores a shared mission: investing in education through transportation equity.

Victor Valley Transit will be implementing a service change beginning Sunday, June 1st. This update is designed to improve on-time performance at key time points and enhance overall reliability, so you can count on your bus arriving when it’s scheduled. Several routes have been adjusted to better serve our riders and reduce delays.

We encourage all passengers to review the new time schedules and updated route maps to stay informed and plan ahead. Thank you for riding with Victor Valley Transit—we’re committed to keeping you moving on time.

Click Here for Updated Bus Schedules

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
for Federally Funded Program of Projects and 
Operating & Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2025/26

Victor Valley Transit encourages residents to provide input and comments for consideration of the proposed use of Federal Funds as well as the FY26 proposed Annual Operating and Capital Budget.

Date:  Monday, June 16th, 2025
Place: VVTA Board Room 
17150 Smoke Tree St., Hesperia, CA 92345
Time: 9:30AM

Those interested in commenting on the federally funded program of projects and FY 25/26 Operating and Capital Budget are invited to provide input or seek further information and are encouraged to either attend this public hearing or submit comments to VVTA. Questions or comments prior to the hearing may be directed in writing or by phone to the Clerk of the Board at 760.995.3588, at 17150 Smoke Tree St., Hesperia, CA 92345 or by publiccomments@vvta.org. The program of projects will become final with no further posting, unless amended.

The Victor Valley Transit Authority is, or may be applying for, operational and capital grants under Sections 5307, 5309, 5310, 5311, 5311(f), 5339, 5339(b) Bus and Bus Facilities, and 5339(c) Low or No Emission Vehicle Deployment Program (LowNo) of the Federal Transit Act, and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement  (CMAQ) grants following FTA guidelines.  

AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA
Para el Programa de Proyectos Financiado Federalmente y el Presupuesto 

Operativo y de Capital para el Año Fiscal 2025/26

Victor Valley Transit invita a los residentes a compartir sus comentarios y opiniones sobre el uso propuesto de fondos federales, así como sobre el presupuesto operativo y de capital propuesto para el año fiscal 2026.

Fecha:  Lunes, June 16th, 2025
Ubicación: VVTA Board Room 
17150 Smoke Tree St., Hesperia, CA 92345
Tiempo: 9:30AM

Se invita al público a comentar sobre el programa de proyectos financiado con fondos federales y el Presupuesto Operativo y de Capital para el año fiscal 25/26. Puede asistir a la audiencia pública o enviar comentarios por escrito o por teléfono al 760.995.3588, a la atención del Secretario de la Junta en 17150 Smoke Tree St., Hesperia, CA 92345 o al correo publiccomments@vvta.org. El programa de proyectos será final a menos que se modifique.

La Autoridad de Tránsito de Victor Valley está solicitando o puede solicitar subvenciones operativas y de capital bajo las Secciones 5307, 5309, 5310, 5311, 5311(f), 5339, 5339(b) para autobuses y facilidades, y 5339(c) para vehículos de bajas o nulas emisiones (LowNo) de la Ley Federal de Tránsito, además de subvenciones CMAQ, siguiendo las directrices de la FTA.

Ride Free on Friday, May 16, 2025 – Celebrate National Bike to Work Week with VVTA!

In celebration of National Bike to Work Week, Victor Valley Transit is offering Fare Free rides on all Fixed Routes, County Routes, and Route 15 this Friday, May 16!

It’s the perfect time to skip the car and bike to work—or even just to your nearest bus stop. All VVTA buses are equipped with convenient front-mounted bike racks, making it easy to combine cycling with public transit. Let us help you go the extra mile—on us this Friday!

Helpful Tips from the Victor Valley Bicycle Tour!

• Wear a helmet – the life you save could be your own.
• If your bike is new to you, find a flat place away from traffic to practice riding it before you hit the street.
• Try to ride with others!  Safety in numbers!
• Maintain your bike – check your chain, clean the bike, tighten anything that gets loose.
• Wear a helmet!  Oh wait, I already said that.
• Watch your surroundings – don’t trust that vehicles see you and try to find an alternate path.

It’s time for our annual Rider Survey and we want to hear from you!

Please take a moment to share with us more about how you ride with VVTA, what you’d like to see improved, and make your voice heard! Survey is open through Friday, April 11, 2025.

Fill out survey here: vvta.org/survey25/

After you complete the survey, please provide your name, phone number and email to be in the running for an opportunity to receive a limited edition VVTA System Map Water Bottle and a 31-Day Pass!*

Victor Valley College Foundation is proud to accept the donation of four retired buses from Victor Valley Transit Authority (VVTA) for use in Victor Valley College programs (VVC). The buses were presented by VVTA Procurement Specialist Andrea McDonald and accepted by Foundation President Kirsten Acosta, alongside VVTA CEO Nancie Goff, Director of Operations Rod Goldman, Chief Maintenance Officer Dustin Strandberg, and other representatives from both Victor Valley College and VVTA. This contribution will aid in the foundation of a new transportation operations training area on the college’s lower main campus. This initiative aligns with VVC’s long-term vision of becoming the High Desert region’s premier transportation education hub.

The donated buses will be utilized in future hands-on training facilities near VVC’s campus solar fields and river walk, providing students with practical experience in transportation, logistics, and fleet operations. The project is a direct response to the growing demand for skilled professionals in the transportation sector, ensuring that students are well-equipped for future careers in the industry.

“We are incredibly grateful to VVTA for this generous donation,” said Kirsten Acosta, Executive Director of the Victor Valley College Foundation. Alyssa Sandello, Interim Director of Instruction (Non-Credit) for the School of Public Safety & Industrial Technology at Victor Valley College (VVC), added, “Their [VVTA’s] support is helping us lay the groundwork for an innovative training program that will prepare our students for careers in transportation and logistics while also strengthening the workforce pipeline in the High Desert.”

This initiative was born from discussions among VVC’s executive leadership, recognizing an opportunity to enhance the college’s workforce development programs through VVTA’s generous donation. By integrating these buses into training programs, VVC aims to offer a robust curriculum that includes hands-on learning with real vehicles, industry-relevant coursework, and potential partnerships with transit agencies and employers.

“The vision is to make VVC a center for transportation education in the region,” said Alyssa Sandello “With this donation, we’re taking the first step toward building a space where students can receive real-world experience that directly translates into career opportunities.”

The transportation operations area will serve as a dynamic educational space where students can gain technical skills, engage in applied training scenarios, and explore public transit, commercial driving, and fleet management career pathways. Future expansions of the program may include internship opportunities with VVTA and other industry partners and specialized certifications in transportation management and maintenance.

Victor Valley College sincerely appreciates Victor Valley Transit Authority’s commitment to supporting workforce development and transportation education. Their contribution will have a lasting impact on students and the community, fostering new opportunities for growth and professional advancement.

For more information about VVC’s CTE and Non-Credit programs or to discuss partnership opportunities, visit https://www.vvc.edu/career-technical-education

Let’s Celebrate Transit Employees on March 18th!

National Transit Employee Appreciation Day is coming up and we’re ready to celebrate our amazing VVTA heroes! From our rockstar Bus Operators to our brilliant Mechanics and everyone in between, these stars keep our wheels turning through thick and thin!

Join us in giving a big shoutout to your favorite VVTA team member! Share your appreciation for our awesome VVTA crew at https://vvta.org/tead25/ and you could win a limited edition VVTA System Map Aluminum Water Bottle and a 31-Day Bus Pass!

Get ready to spread some joy and gratitude, because at VVTA, our heroes deserve all the praise!

Victor Valley Transit Authority (VVTA) confirms that passenger on passenger incident resulting in one passenger being transported to the hospital occurred Sunday, January 26th on Route 33. Thanks to the swift response of local law enforcement and VVTA staff, the suspect was apprehended and is now in custody.

We are relieved to report that there are no reported fatalities. The safety and well-being of our passengers and employees remain our highest priority, and we are cooperating fully with authorities as they conduct a thorough investigation.

As this is an active investigation, we ask for the public’s understanding that certain details cannot be released at this time. We will continue to work closely with law enforcement and provide updates as they become available.

VVTA is committed to ensuring the safety of all riders and employees.  For additional inquiries, please contact VVTA Public Relations at 760-995-3592.