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Gardena highlights microtransit "Bolt" and electric-bus fleet expansion
Summary
City leaders described recent and planned changes to the Gardena Municipal Transit system: a new on-demand microtransit service called Bolt; a move to CNG and zero-emission buses; and ridership that the city said has risen 90% since 2020.
Gardena officials used the State of the City address to outline recent changes at the city's transit operator, G Trans, including a new on-demand microtransit service and an upgraded fleet that officials said has shifted to cleaner propulsion.
“Isn't that exciting? And so with that, the last thing I probably just wanna mention is that G Tranz has served over 2,300,000 customers, and they've seen a 90% increase in their ridership since 2020,” Mayor Tasha Cerna said during her remarks. She also introduced a new service name: “Bolt.”
What the city said: Cerna described Bolt as “a new on demand micro transit service that's perfect for short trips around the city of Gardena.” She said the service costs $2 per ride and can be booked via an app or by phone for riders without smartphones; the service operates inside Gardena city limits.
G Trans details announced in the address: - Fleet size and value: Cerna said the city owns 52 buses with a combined value of $60,000,000 and noted that a single electric bus is worth approximately $1,300,000. - Pricing and routes: Cerna said base fares were $1 on fixed-route services, while the new on-demand Bolt would charge $2 per ride. - Beach trolley: officials said Gardena runs seasonal beach-trolley service to Manhattan Beach with multiple daily trips during summer months. - Paratransit and ridership: Cerna said paratransit and microtransit combined have provided tens of thousands of senior and disability rides, and the city has seen a large ridership increase since 2020.
Why it matters: Transit service changes affect mobility for seniors, workers and other residents who rely on public transportation. The introduction of an on-demand service and investment in cleaner buses are examples of how the city is positioning transit for short trips and lower emissions.
What was not specified: exact procurement schedules for additional electric buses, detailed operating subsidy amounts, or a full service rollout timetable for Bolt beyond the description in the address.
