After an exhaustive yearlong study into how SolTrans can more effectively serve the Benicia and Vallejo communities, new and improved bus routes begin Jan. 31.
These changes will help to streamline routes, maximize on-time performance and expand service. On higher ridership routes, patrons will be able to get to their destination more quickly and with less waiting.
Mona Babauta, executive director at SolTrans, is excited about these new route changes and how it will improve the service and experience that SolTrans provides its customers and the community. She had this to say, “The service enhancements were driven by the mobility needs of the communities we serve and our interest in improving the quality of life and customer experience for our patrons. They were specifically designed to give our riders greater freedom and options for meeting their daily, life needs, and we are thrilled to finally see them come to life.”
Some key highlights from the expanded service and streamlined routes are:
- 1. Buses will now arrive every 30 minutes on routes 1, 2 and 7 during the week.
- 2. Route 76 will be merged into route 78 and will now offer direct service to both Diablo Valley College and Sunvalley Mall in Concord.
- 3. Route 20 will be created for a 1 year pilot program offering service from Downtown Benicia to the Solano Community College campus in Vallejo, as well as to the Gateway/Costco Shopping areas.
- 4. Many of the route times and bus stop locations will change, and it is important for frequent riders to note those changes.
“We want as little disruption for our regular riders as possible; so, we placed signage and handouts on all of the buses and at key transit hubs. We will also be staffing an information table at various times throughout the day at the Vallejo Transit Center starting Jan. 30 until Friday, Feb. 6 to allow our riders to talk with staff about all of the changes, updates and improvements,” stated Elizabeth Romero, acting planning and operations manager with SolTrans.
The new routes and times are posted on their website.
