News

Ride Fare Free on National Bike to Work Day!

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.

Fiesta Fare-Free!

🎉 Get ready to ride and celebrate—Cinco de Mayo is coming up, and VVTA is bringing the fiesta to the streets with Fare-Free Rides all day long! Whether you’re heading to a family gathering, a local celebration, or just cruising through town, enjoy FREE rides on all Fixed Routes, County Routes, and Route 15 this May 5th. 🚌🌮🎊

No passes, no fees—just good vibes and free rides! Let VVTA be your safe and easy way to join in the Cinco de Mayo fun. Hop on, ride free, and celebrate the spirit of the day with us! 💃🕺

VVTA Recognized Bus Operators!

VVTA Honors Two Bus Operators for Acts of Compassion and Heroism

At its April 2025 Board of Directors Meeting, the Victor Valley Transit Authority (VVTA) proudly honored two bus operators, Robert Aguilera and Lucia Gallegos, for their exceptional actions in protecting and assisting vulnerable individuals while on duty. The VVTA Board of Directors presented each operator with a formal proclamation in recognition of their extraordinary service to the community.

Robert Aguilera, while driving along C Avenue, observed a small child standing alone in the middle of the road. Without hesitation, Aguilera safely stopped the bus, allowed the child to board, and immediately contacted VVTA dispatch to request assistance from a supervisor and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. He remained with the child until deputies arrived, who were then able to reunite the child with his mother.

Lucia Gallegos, operating Route 66 near Olive and G Streets, noticed an elderly man near a bus stop who appeared disoriented. After stopping the bus and speaking with him, she realized he was confused and possibly lost. Suspecting he may be experiencing dementia, Gallegos offered him a courtesy fare and contacted dispatch for help. A road supervisor and a Sheriff’s Deputy responded and discovered the man was from Bakersfield. Thanks to Gallegos’ care and attentiveness, the man was safely reunited with his family and returned home via Greyhound bus.

Both, Lucia and Robert went above and beyond in their roles as VVTA bus operators, showing true heart, professionalism, and care. Their dedication made a real difference, and their service is a reflection of the values that keep our community moving forward. We’re proud to recognize their outstanding work”. said Board Chair James Noble. “Their actions remind us that public transportation is not just about moving people—it’s about watching out for one another. On behalf of the entire board, we thank Robert and Lucia for representing the best of what VVTA stands for.”

VVTA CEO Nancie Goff echoed that praise, stating, “Our operators are the face of VVTA, and what Robert and Lucia did exemplify our mission to serve with quality, efficiency and responsiveness. We are proud to have employees who respond with such compassion and awareness. Their actions made a real difference, and we are honored to recognize them.”

VVTA remains committed to safety, service, and community, and applauds the continued dedication of all its frontline employees.

Annual Rider Survey Out Now!

Promotion of Rider Survey until April 11th. Chance to win a VVTA System Map Water Bottle and 31 Day

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!*

Attention Barstow Riders: Changes Ahead for Routes 1, 27 & possibly, 15 & 29.

Service Alert: Barstow Routes Affected by Construction

Due to road construction and freeway ramp closures, certain detours and closures may affect your route and bus stop availability. 

Here’s what you need to know:

I-40 Freeway On-Ramp at Montara Rd:

  • Closed intermittently from 7 PM–7 AM, April 30 – May 15, 2025
  • This may impact Route 15 and Route 29 at different times.

E Main Street Exit from I-15:

  • Route 27 may experience difficulties exiting due to closures in both directions.

Route 1 & Route 27:

  • Major road construction along E Main St is scheduled March–December 2025.

Impacted Bus Stops:

Eastbound Route 1 & Route 27:

  • Bus Stop #30095: Main St & Mountain View St
  • Bus Stop #30093: Main St & Coolwater Ln
  • Bus Stop #30098: Main St & Cal Ave
  • Bus Stop #30097: Main St VFS Cal Ave (Barstow Mall)
  • Bus Stop #30161: State St at Excelsior (pending access)

Westbound Route 1 & Route 27:

  • Bus Stop #30096: Main St & Cal Ave (Barstow Station)
  • Bus Stop #30100: Main St VNS Yucca Ave

We appreciate your patience as we navigate these construction impacts. Stay tuned for real-time updates on additional detours.Thank you for your patience!

Victor Valley College Foundation Receives Four Bus Donations from Victor Valley Transit Authority (VVTA)

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

Honor a Transit Employee on March 18th!

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!

Happy Valentines Week! Take Part in sending a Valentines Day Card to Your Bus Operator!

💌 Share the Love with VVTA This Valentine’s Day! 💌

This Valentine’s Day Week, let’s show some appreciation for our amazing VVTA Bus Operators and Staff! ❤️ They keep our community moving every day, and now it’s our turn to send some love their way.

💖 Click the link below to fill out a Valentine’s Day card and spread the “Heart Yous” Cheer! Whether it’s a kind message, a thank you, or a heartfelt shoutout, your words will make their day even sweeter.

📩 https://vvta.org/iheartu25/

Let’s fill this week with love, appreciation, and gratitude! 💕

Route 33 Bus Incident

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.

Fare Free (and More) on Transit Equity Day!

Whether your a seasoned rider or looking to try public transportation for the first time, VVTA Transit services will be FARE FREE on Tuesday, February 4th in honor of Transit Equity Day and the birthday of Rosa Parks!

Catch your fare free trip on our all of our Fixed Routes, County Routes, Direct Access, Micro-Link and even Route 15!

In addition, The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) and Transit Agencies from around the region will also celebrate Trasnsit Equity Day with a “Ride Happy!” Event at the San Bernardino Transit Center from 7 AM to 10 AM. All are invited to attend and learn how to use the many transit services that make up the regional network to travel throughout our region.

On Transit Equity Day – February 4th, celebrated on Rosa Park’s Birthday – everyone will ride free throughout San Bernardino County on bus routes and train lines operated by:

  • Metrolink 
  • Omnitrans 
  • Victor Valley Transit Authority (VVTA)
  • Mountain Transit
  • Basin Transit
  • Needles Area Transit

The free rides and event are sponsored by SBCTA. SBCTA President Ray Marquez says, “This Transit Equity Day Celebration is part of SBCTA’s Ride Happy! campaign that works to make using transit a positive and easy experience for everyone in San Bernardino County and beyond. The campaign encourages riders to Be Safe, Be Respectful and Be Kind so that transit customers and employees can Ride Happy!”