Why Pomona Is a Transit Hub
Pomona has long been a transportation crossroads. The city grew up around the railroad in the late 1800s, and today it is still one of the few places in the region served by several rail lines, a major regional bus operator, and several specialized mobility services. Getting to class at Cal Poly Pomona, reaching a job in downtown Los Angeles, or heading to the LA County Fair at Fairplex are all possible without a car.
Recent years brought some of the biggest changes in decades, including the extension of light rail into the Pomona Valley and continued investment in zero-emission buses. Here is a look at the ten services that serve Pomona residents, commuters, and visitors best.
How We Ranked These Services
We looked at coverage within Pomona, connections to major regional destinations, frequency, affordability, accessibility for riders with disabilities, and ease of use, including mobile ticketing and real-time arrival information. We also considered how each service fits into a complete trip, because most transit riders combine more than one mode.
The Top 10 Public Transit Services in Pomona
1. Foothill Transit
Foothill Transit is the backbone of local bus service in Pomona and the San Gabriel Valley. Its routes connect Pomona neighborhoods with Claremont, La Verne, Diamond Bar, West Covina, and El Monte, and its express Silver Streak line runs to downtown Los Angeles. The agency is a national leader in battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell buses, and its well-maintained fleet and generally reliable schedules make it a favorite among daily commuters.
2. Metro A Line
The Foothill extension of the Metro A Line brought light rail to Pomona's north side, with service reaching Pomona North station. The line provides a one-seat ride through Claremont, La Verne, Glendora, Azusa, and Pasadena to downtown Los Angeles and on to Long Beach. It has changed how Pomona residents reach jobs, entertainment, and universities across the county.
3. Metrolink San Bernardino Line
Metrolink's busiest line stops at Pomona North and links the city with Los Angeles Union Station to the west and San Bernardino to the east. The comfortable double-deck trains are well suited to longer commutes, and riders can transfer at Union Station to Amtrak, Metro rail lines, and the FlyAway bus to LAX.
4. Metrolink Riverside Line
The Riverside Line serves Pomona Downtown station, a short walk from the Arts Colony and the civic center. It offers peak-hour trains between Riverside and Los Angeles through Ontario and the City of Industry, so it is useful for commuters working in the Inland Empire or the southern San Gabriel Valley.
5. Amtrak
Amtrak's long-distance Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle trains stop at Pomona station. They give residents a relaxed way to travel to destinations such as Palm Springs, Tucson, San Antonio, and New Orleans, and they appeal to travelers who want to see the Southwest without driving.
6. Get About by the Pomona Valley Transportation Authority
Get About is a shared-ride service for seniors and people with disabilities in Pomona, Claremont, La Verne, and San Dimas. It offers door-to-door trips to medical appointments, shopping, and community centers, filling a vital gap for residents who can't easily use fixed-route transit.
7. Access Services
Access Services provides ADA paratransit throughout Los Angeles County. Eligible Pomona riders can book curb-to-curb trips that mirror the fixed-route bus and rail network, including trips across city and county lines, which makes regional travel possible for people with qualifying disabilities.
8. Omnitrans
Although it is based in San Bernardino County, Omnitrans connects with Pomona Valley riders at the Montclair Transcenter and other nearby points. Its routes reach Ontario, Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, and Chino, so it is an important link for Pomona residents who work or shop just across the county line.
9. Cal Poly Pomona Bronco Shuttle
Cal Poly Pomona runs campus shuttle service that helps students, faculty, and staff get around its large hillside campus and reach nearby transit connections. Combined with the university's transit pass programs, the shuttle makes car-free student life realistic.
10. Uber and Lyft Ride-Hailing
App-based ride-hailing through Uber and Lyft rounds out Pomona's options, including shared and lower-cost ride types. They cover first-mile and last-mile gaps, carrying riders from home to a rail station or from a bus stop to a final destination.
Transit Trends in the Pomona Valley
Three trends define the local transit landscape. The first is electrification, with Foothill Transit and other operators replacing diesel buses with zero-emission vehicles. The second is fare integration: the TAP card and mobile app now work across many agencies. The third is transit-oriented development, as new housing and mixed-use projects rise around Pomona's rail stations and give residents direct access to regional transit.
Tips for Riding Transit in Pomona
Download the Transit app or a trip planner that shows real-time arrivals for all agencies. Load a TAP card for easy transfers, and check whether you qualify for reduced fares as a student, senior, or low-income rider. During the LA County Fair, expect added service and heavier crowds near Fairplex.
Final Thoughts
With light rail, two commuter rail lines, long-distance trains, and a strong regional bus network, Pomona offers far more transit choice than many Southern California cities. Whether you commute daily or ride only occasionally, these ten services make it easy to leave the car at home.