SacRT preps for new bus network rollout Sept. 8
The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) will be launching a redesigned bus network on Sept. 8 that will provide more frequent service and more late night and weekend service all seven days of the week.
Customer Assistance Teams will be out across the region helping riders navigate the new bus network and offer trip planning assistance. SacRT is offering free rides on bus and light rail from Sept. 8 to Sept. 11 to celebrate the new network.
“We started from a blank slate and took a closer look at where people live, work and play in the Sacramento region to develop a new bus network that will improve mobility and move the region forward,” said SacRT General Manager/CEO Henry Li.
“SacRT is moving forward with significant improvements that will help reduce congestion and lead to economic growth,” said Sacramento County Supervisor and SacRT Board Chair Patrick Kennedy. “The new bus network is just one of several historic improvements that SacRT has made over the last several years to make it easier for people to travel around the region.”
SacRT began the process of redesigning the bus network nearly three years ago, with the support of its planning partners, the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG). SACOG assisted SacRT with the selection of a consulting team, study funding and other key elements of the process.
“An efficient transit network that helps connect more of the region’s residents to work, education and opportunity is key to sustainable, prosperous growth,” said SACOG Executive Director James Corless.“We are thrilled that SacRT is increasing frequency and service to where people are and where they want to go.”
Adjustments have been made to almost every bus route, some minor and some much more substantial. SacRT invested an additional $3 million to improve service on the new network.
The new bus network consists of:
- 27 regular fixed routes
- 15 peak hour only routes
- All routes have 7-day a week service
- More 15-minute service routes and all routes have at least 45 minute or better service
SacRT’s Customer Call Center is expanding hours to help answer rider questions about the new bus network. Starting Sunday, Sept. 8, the new hours will be Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekends. The expanded hours will be in effect for 90 days and extended if needed.
As part of the new bus network, new system maps and new bus stop signs have been put up across the region. This is the first time in 30 years that SacRT has redesigned the bus stop sign. The new sign is double sided, so riders can see the information from both directions and features the destination name so riders know which direction the bus is headed. SacRT is also giving riders the opportunity to take home a vintage bus stop sign by emailing [email protected] to request a sign.
