Getting Around Pomona
Pomona is a spread-out city with neighborhoods stretching from the historic downtown to the hills of Phillips Ranch. While many residents drive, a growing number rely on taxis and ride services for airport trips, nights out in the Arts Colony, medical appointments, and event days at the Fairplex when parking fills quickly. Students at Cal Poly Pomona without cars also depend on convenient rides.
Today's options range from app-based rideshare to traditional licensed taxis, luxury chauffeurs, and accessible transportation for seniors and people with disabilities. Here are the ten best taxi and ride services in Pomona.
What to Look for in a Ride Service
Consider availability, pricing transparency, safety features, vehicle options, and accessibility. For airport trips, reliability and punctuality matter most. For regular medical or shopping trips, affordability and accessibility may be more important. Always confirm driver and vehicle details before getting in.
1. Uber
Uber is the most widely available ride service in Pomona, offering options from affordable shared rides to premium vehicles and larger SUVs. Features like upfront pricing, trip sharing with contacts, and scheduled rides make it convenient for airport trips to Ontario or LAX. Uber is also a common choice for fairgoers avoiding event parking.
2. Lyft
Lyft offers a strong alternative to Uber with competitive pricing and a friendly brand reputation. Its options include standard, extra-comfort, and XL vehicles, and its safety tools include real-time trip tracking. Many riders compare both apps to find the fastest pickup and best price.
3. Curb
Curb connects riders with licensed taxi companies through a convenient mobile app. Passengers can book and pay for traditional cabs digitally, combining the regulated standards of taxis with the convenience of app-based booking. It is a useful option in areas where licensed taxis operate.
4. Ontario International Airport Authorized Taxis
Ontario International Airport maintains a regulated ground transportation program with authorized taxi operators at designated curbside zones. Travelers arriving at ONT can find licensed cabs ready for trips to Pomona and nearby cities, with regulated fares and professional drivers.
5. Blacklane
Blacklane is a global chauffeur service offering fixed-price rides in premium vehicles. Business travelers heading to meetings or airports appreciate its professional drivers, flight tracking, and complimentary wait time. It is an excellent choice for executives visiting Pomona-area companies.
6. Pomona Valley Transportation Authority Get About
The Pomona Valley Transportation Authority operates Get About, a shared-ride service for older adults and people with disabilities in Pomona and neighboring cities. It provides affordable curb-to-curb transportation for medical visits, shopping, and daily errands, offering a vital lifeline for eligible residents.
7. Access Services
Access Services is the paratransit provider for Los Angeles County, delivering ADA-compliant shared rides for eligible riders with disabilities. It complements fixed-route transit and helps Pomona residents travel throughout the county with accessible vehicles.
8. GoGoGrandparent
GoGoGrandparent helps older adults use rideshare services without a smartphone. Users simply call a phone line to request a ride, and the service arranges an Uber or Lyft while notifying family members of trip details. It supports independence and peace of mind for seniors.
9. Prime Time Shuttle
Prime Time Shuttle offers shared and private airport shuttle services across Southern California. For travelers heading to LAX from Pomona, shuttles can be more affordable than private rides, especially for solo travelers with flexible schedules.
10. Local Licensed Limousine and Sedan Services
The Pomona Valley has a number of independent licensed limousine and sedan operators serving weddings, proms, quinceaneras, and corporate events. These companies offer stretch limousines, party buses, and executive sedans. Always verify that operators hold proper state charter-party carrier permits before booking.
Transportation Trends in Pomona
Rideshare continues to dominate for short trips, while electric vehicles are increasingly common among drivers due to California's clean air goals. Autonomous ride services are expanding in parts of Los Angeles, and many observers expect them to reach suburban cities over time. Regional rail improvements are also creating more first-mile and last-mile trips to and from stations, boosting demand for short rides.
Safety Tips
Always verify the license plate, driver name, and vehicle before entering. Share your trip details with a friend or family member, especially late at night. Sit in the back seat and wear your seatbelt. For taxis, confirm the operator is licensed and ask about fares upfront. Report any concerns directly through the app or to the appropriate authority.
Tips for Saving Money
Compare prices across rideshare apps before booking. Avoid surge pricing by scheduling rides in advance or waiting a few minutes after major events end. Consider Metrolink or Foothill Transit for longer trips, using rideshare only for the final stretch.
Conclusion
Whether you need a quick ride to the Fairplex, a reliable airport transfer, or accessible transportation for a loved one, Pomona offers plenty of dependable options. Uber and Lyft provide convenience, licensed taxis and chauffeurs add professionalism, and specialized services ensure everyone can get where they need to go safely.
