Golden Empire Transit is the operator of mass transportation in Bakersfield, California.

It is also the direct descendant of the Bakersfield and Kern Electric Railway, which originally provided streetcar service to the city.

However, yearly losses resulted in the city acquiring it in 1956, under the new name Bakersfield Transit Agency.

Already suffering from deferred maintenance from the previous owner, the lack of investment resulted in the system sinking into further disrepair.

[3] In 1973, voters approved a measure which established the Golden Empire Transit District.

Buses operated on linear paths, and generally looped back when the bus needed to change direction.

Although the agency divides the system into five categories, it is easier to describe it in three: Express, Rapid, and Local.

Rapid service runs more frequently than express and makes more stops between end points.

They make fewer stops than local and express routes, but run more frequently.

Route 81 operates as in express for its entire length, stopping only at transit centers.

Route 83 operates as in local for its entire length, making frequent stops.

The transit center is staffed and includes restrooms, and shaded outdoor waiting areas.

It is located on 1912 Wible Road south of Ming Avenue, directly adjacent to Valley Plaza Mall.

The transit center is unstaffed, except for security, and contains restrooms and shaded waiting areas.

In addition, two bus routes stop on Wible Road, north of the transit center.

In the past, it had been suggested moving the transit center to a new location, but those plans have been shelved in favor of other priorities.

The California State University Bakersfield Transit Center finished construction in April 2021 located off Don Hart Drive West.

[21] Most bus stops and all transit centers do not have bicycle racks or storage lockers.

Several spur routes diverge from the bike path, serving other locations such as California State University, Bakersfield.

In addition, many one-mile (1.6 km) spaced arterials have dedicated, striped bike lanes.

They validate all US Coins and paper money through $20 bill, although it does not accept pennies nor give change.

They can be bought in person at the Downtown Transit Center or GET headquarters on Golden State Avenue.

They are also available at a variety of partner retail stores throughout the city (listed on their web site).

The standard buses have a 38-seat capacity, and a low floor design to assist with handicapped passengers.

In addition to containing parking for the entire fleet, it also contains maintenance shops, bus wash, and cleaning facilities.

Golden Empire Transit is currently planning to move their facilities to a new location off of Mt.

The California High Speed Rail Authority plans to take over the space currently operated by GET on F St. and Golden State Ave. in the future.