Citrus Heights, CA:
What is the root cause of so many bus trip cancellations occurring and what determines what trips and routes get cancelled versus others that keep going? Is SacRT experiencing a labor shortage? Will the district need to hire more operators to alleviate the high cancellation rate?
Reply: Thank you for your question. We know the recent number of bus trip cancellations has been concerning, and we appreciate the opportunity to explain what’s happening.
Over the past few days, SacRT has experienced unusually high operator absences, and we are also supporting several special operational needs such as bus bridges and station shuttles. Together, these factors have made it more challenging to fully cover all scheduled trips.
To help minimize cancellations, staff are assigning operators to work on their days off, calling in operators from the vacation list, using extra board operators, and creating additional trippers to fill gaps. We are also strengthening our long-term staffing levels by hiring new bus operators, with two upcoming hiring events scheduled to bring more operators on board.
We understand how important reliable service is to our riders and are working hard each day to cover as many trips as possible. Thank you for your patience as we address these temporary challenges.
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Natomas, CA:
I recently saw the news about the potential and possibility of bus rapid transit through Natomas to the Sacramento Airport. How soon will that start? Will traditional bus at least begin service on the existing route eleven within the next six to nine months if bus rapid transit needs some time to get started?
Reply: Thanks for asking about this project. We have funding for a study to explore the possiblity of Bus Rapid Transit option through Natomas to the airport. We don't have funding for construction or operation at this time. Over the next year, we will have public outreach and more information about the Bus Rapid Transit study.
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The River District, CA:
When is the opening date for both the Dos Rios Station and the Railyards Boulevard Station?
Reply: We don't have the official opening dates for both of the new stations, but we are targeting opening both at some point in September. Stay tuned for official dates soon.
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Elk Grove, CA:
Can we please rapidly implement a way to get free transfers when paying for Capitol Corridor? Transition to Transit Connect has left out a lot of functionality that people depend on.
Reply: Riders can use their Capitol Corridor ticket and show them to the SacRT Bus Operator or Transit Ambassador for a free transfer. Learn more here: https://www.sacrt.com/othertransitagencies/
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Roseville, CA:
When will the Watt/I-80 Transit Center be fully completed and opened in its entirety? The City of Roseville has informed us Roseville Transit riders that they will begin a new route starting October 1st called “The Rapid Link” which will transport the public from Watt/I-80 to Kaiser on Douglas, Sutter Hospital on Sunrise Avenue, Westfield Galleria Transit Center, and the Lincoln Park & Ride near Thunder Valley Casino. My hope is to use this new service, but hopefully when the Watt/I-80 project has fully concluded and the fences that are blocking the pedestrian plaza next to the platform have come down and been removed. Thank you for your understanding in a long winded post.
Reply: Thank you for asking. We don't have an official completion date yet, but could be in September or October. Stay updated on the project at sacrt.com/WattI80.
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Sacramento, CA:
When is the Green Line expected to restart service again, and will there be schedule changes made to it since the new station along the line is focused on the Wilton Rancheria and their ownership of the Republic FC franchise?
Reply: We are targeting a September reopening, but there are still a few things that need to be completed before we can resume service. As for the schedule, we will work with the Sac Republic FC and others for possible additional service frequency on the Green Line when the stadium opens in two years. We would need additional funding to increase Green Line frequency.
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South Sacramento, CA:
I am hoping that the Route 81 bus is a candidate route for service to be every fifteen minutes. With the route serving three high schools and now clientele at the Florin office of the Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance due to the closure of their 28th Street office in Midtown, I hope that funding will be recognized to get this key route as frequent as Route 51 is already. Thank you.
Reply: At this time, we don't have funding for additional frequencies on our bus routes. We are always reviewing ridership and ridership trends to see if we can make no-cost service adjustments to our bus network.
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Elk Grove, CA:
What is being done to coordinate traffic signal priority, and tighter connections between modes bus-rail to increase average speed in travel?
Reply: SacRT is preparing to launch Transit Signal Priority (TSP) on key bus corridors in 2027 to improve reliability and reduce delays. The first corridors include Arden Way (serving bus routes 13, 23, and others) and Broadway (serving bus route 51).
The project is supported by $715,000 in grant funding from California’s Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program. TSP will use SacRT’s real-time vehicle location data to help buses spend less time waiting at red lights.
The initial rollout will cover 14 intersections, with funding already in place to expand to 30 more across the District, including Meadowview Road and downtown’s J and L streets. SacRT expects to finalize the vendor by late 2026, with both corridors operational in 2027.
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Elk Grove, CA:
Why doesn’t the dedicate airport bus 142 leave from Sac Vally station or someplace that is conducive toward connecting travel? A timed trip should leave 1-2x an hour. Cheaper than green line.
Reply: We are starting a Bus Rapid Transit study to look at bus as an option between downtown, Natomas and the airport. More information will be coming out on that project soon.
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Sacramento, CA:
With the effort to get the “Safe Streets” measure on the November ballot unsuccessful, will SacRT have to consider adjustments to its fare structure starting in July 2027? I know that fares have remained what they currently are since approximately 2018. Is that likely not going to be the case come next July now that there will not be a ballot measure to vote on either within city limits or countywide, or could the potential of a “public bank” as promoted in the primary and now general election campaign by at least one candidate for Supervisor be a resolution to any future financial woes on the horizon?
Reply: Thank you for your question. SacRT, like many transit agencies across the country, is facing financial pressures as costs have continued to rise and funding sources remain variable from year to year. Unlike many regions, Sacramento does not have a dedicated local funding source for transit, which limits our ability to expand service and make long-term commitments. We are currently conducting both short- and long-range planning as required by California SB 125. This process focuses on improving financial sustainability and ensuring our service levels are responsibly aligned with the resources available. We appreciate the community’s ongoing engagement as we work toward a more reliable and sustainable future for transit in our region.
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Sacramento, CA:
In Baltimore, MTA has a route called the GD which runs along North Ave. It is unique in which it runs in a BRT-like setup where it has its own dedicated bus lanes but without stations typically seen in a Bus Rapid Transit to save costs, making it cost-efficient. Is this is a setup that could work on Route 51 which SacRT has been making plans to convert to a BRT route? Here is a video showing the GD route: https://youtu.be/3VzYErKFWcQ
Reply: You are correct, Stockton Boulevard it is a great location for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) We are working with the City and County of Sacramento, planning for BRT along that route. . We don't have a firm start date for that yet, but BRT on Stockton Boulevard is one of our major projects in the future. Please see more here: https://www.sacrt.com/planning/stocktonbrt/
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Rancho Cordova, CA:
Do you have any news updates to share regarding the transition from Connect Card to Transit Connect? For example, when will light rail stations first get the new Transit Connect devices that are much more vandal proof than all that has been happening with the Connect Card devices? Also, when will the customer service center and vendors have the new physical cards for Transit Connect available to issue? If there is no update to share here in August, will there then be likely more to share in the September edition of the chat than what you have to share here in August? Thank you.
Reply: Thank you for your question regarding the transition from the Connect Card system to Transit Connect.
At this time, we do not have new updates to share for August. SacRT and our vendor partners are continuing preparations for deployment, including installation planning for the new, more vandal-resistant station devices and distribution of the new physical Transit Connect cards. We are still on track with the overall project timeline, but specific dates for when devices will first appear at light rail stations or when customer service and retail vendors will begin issuing new cards are not yet finalized.
We anticipate having more detailed information to share in the September GM Chat as key project milestones are confirmed.
Thank you for your patience as we work toward a smoother, more secure fare payment system for our riders.
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Sacramento, CA:
What alternative funding sources is RT currently pursuing, besides sales tax increases? Not just one-time grants, but something more sustainable.
Reply: Thank you for the question. In addition to future sales tax measures, SacRT is actively pursuing several alternative and more sustainable funding sources to support long-term operations and capital improvements.
These efforts include expanding partnerships with local jurisdictions and regional agencies to increase ongoing contributions for services that directly support their communities. SacRT is also exploring new opportunities for recurring state and federal funding programs that support zero-emission fleet transitions, preventative maintenance, and service reliability. Additionally, we continue to evaluate options such as enhanced transit-oriented development agreements, and innovative public-private partnerships that can provide more stable, non-one-time funding.
While some of these sources are still in development, they represent key parts of SacRT’s strategy to diversify revenue beyond traditional sales tax and grant funding.
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Citrus Heights, CA:
Please advise us on why so many bus trip cancellations have been occurring last few days. This morning started with 88. We're really concerned why this has been happening day after day.
Reply: Thank you for your question. We know the recent number of bus trip cancellations has been concerning, and we appreciate the opportunity to explain what’s happening.
Over the past few days, SacRT has experienced unusually high operator absences, which has created challenges in fully staffing our scheduled service. At the same time, we are supporting several special operational needs, such as bus bridges and station shuttles, which require additional operators and place added pressure on daily coverage.
To help reduce cancellations, staff are taking several steps, including assigning operators to work on their days off, calling in operators from the vacation list, using extra board operators, and creating additional trippers to fill gaps. We also have new operators in training who will strengthen our staffing levels moving forward.
We understand how important reliable service is to our riders and are working hard each day to cover as many trips as possible. Thank you for your patience as we work through these temporary challenges.
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Elk Grove, CA:
Now that SB79 allows super dense development near transit, why hasn’t the plot around Morrison creek station being developed car free or light with TOD housing? SacRT would literally print money just buying that parcel and developing housing for captive ridership.
Reply: We have a number of potential Transit Oriented Development (TOD) locations that we are looking at now, including several locations along the Blue line in South Sacramento. Specifically for the land around our Morrison Creek Station, it is already owned by a developer that has plans for more housing there.
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Sacramento, CA:
Is RT currently working on any partnerships with local businesses to encourage transit ridership and increase awareness of RT?
For example, RT could pitch a form of "transit validation” to retailers at DOCO. They already offer parking validation, so retailers could potentially provide a transit coupon with a qualifying purchase that could be redeemed for a single bus/light rail ride or a daily pass.
This could help address one of the barriers to visiting downtown: the cost and inconvenience of parking, particularly with higher parking rates and extended hours during which payment is required. It could also introduce more people to RT who might otherwise drive downtown.
Reply: We mainly work with employers, especially the State of California, who want to offer a transit subsidy to their employees. But you make a good point. I will look into this possibility.
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Sacramento, CA:
Can RT focus on building physical barriers that deter random non-paying riders on the light rail. I have traveled extensively and this is the only public transit that anyone can just walk on. No wonder why the majority of people think RT is unsafe. This is public transportation 101, please do better.
Reply: Thank you for this question. We have added many more security personnel and Transit Ambassadors to check riders for fares. We have a uniformed presence on about 90 percent of the trains now, and we are working toward 100 percent. This is less costly, and actually more effective than trying to build barriers at what are essentially open stations. And our measures are working. Our fare evasion rate is down below one percent.
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Sacramento, CA:
Hi Henri li.
I have four questions.
1. How are you going to address how the railroad crossings malfunction when it’s hot out and how will you address the one railroad road crossing out by radius recycling keeps getting knocked down by trucks turning left?
2. What is the tentative timeline for finishing the rest of the blue line stations after city college and 4th avenue getting ready for the low floor trains? I’m talking about broadway, fruit ridge, 47th avenue, 12th and I, cathedral square, and 9th and K. To speed things up, I recommend doing three at a time like for instance, doing the remaining downtown stations one month like in September and the remaining south blue line stations another months like in October.
3. Is it possible in the future that SacRT flex users can book one week in advance their ride rather than just up to 2 days?
4. And finally, when will you update the on board announcements on the trains departing archives plaza so they say “next stop is 8th and O” rather than saying 8th and capital?
Reply: We are currently replacing HVAC units on a number of the substations throughout the system to help with cooling the equipment. As far as the Marketplace crossing, plans are being developed to install protective bollards around the center gate mechanism, to provide additional protection. Our construction contractors are working as fast as possible on the Blue Line Station Conversions. But there is a lot of work to do, and they can't do some of the concrete work under some weather conditions They should be complete and ready for the new low-floor vehicles next summer. I will ask our staff to look into the announcement issue.
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North Highlands, CA:
With “return to office” in full effect, would it be possible to operate 3-car trains on the blue line during peak commute hours? This would also help alleviate any crowding as we transition from Summer and school being out to school going back into session. I am told that some school districts go back into session as early in August as next week.
Reply: While the Governor has instituted the return to office mandate, ridership has not risen to the level requiring 3-car consists. Additionally, as platform modifications are made, the new platform length is designed for S700 train door alignment, making a 3-car legacy consist incompatible.
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Folsom, CA:
What is the ETA of S700 cars 407, 414, 422, and 425 to return to service? 407 and 422 have been out of service for over a year now, and it seems that every other S700 car that gets into an accident SacRT is unable to fix.
Reply: The primary focus has been to get the commissioning work done on the S700 vehicles. There will be some work on a couple of the vehicles that is beyond the department's ability and will require specialized repairs with Siemens. We have had preliminary discussions to get that work done, and plans are being developed to begin later this year with the repairs to 422 and 407. Parts to make many of the repairs are on order, with some having significant lead times, contributing to the extended down time. Fortunately, there are ample S700 vehicles available to provide daily revenue service.
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Sacramento, CA:
It is great that RT received funding to study BRT to the airport as an intermediate step toward eventually bringing light rail to the airport. However, I understand that additional funding would still be needed to actually implement the BRT project.
Would it be possible to allocate some of the study funding, or identify other funding, to first extend Route 11 to the airport as a pilot? This could provide actual ridership data for the Natomas–airport segment, rather than relying primarily on projections for a future downtown-to-airport service.
If Route 11 extension generates strong ridership, that data could help strengthen the case for BRT (and eventually light rail, if funding allows) by demonstrating demand for airport transit service from both Natomas and the broader Sacramento area (via the downtown connection).
Reply: The study funding is dedicated to that purpose, so we must use it to study BRT routes to the airport, including public outreach in the communities along the route.
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Sacramento, CA:
Why doesnt the RT adopt a single type of ticketing system and have an app for payment? FYI a lot of state workers are riding free because their connect cart dosent work. Idk seems like yall are losing easy revenue.
Reply: SacRT is currently in phase 1 of launching our new fare system Transit Connect. Phase 1 consists of a new mobile fare payment application that replaced ZipPass. Phase 2 will expand Transit Connect including the introduction of dedicated fare cards and will allow SacRT to transition away from Connect Card as well. Moving forward passengers will be able to choose to pay/validate fare with either the mobile application or a smart card all within the same back office. SacRT will be hosting an open house for state agencies and other large employers to address the transition to Transit Connect and discuss potential timelines for the launch of phase 2. Look for more information to be released about this soon! and there is more available now, here: SacRT.com/TransitConnect
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Antelope ca, CA:
When will the announcement system on trains leaving archives plaza say “next stop is 8th and O” instead of 8th and capital?
Reply: Our legacy fleet announcements are at capacity, and we can't add any additional station announcements. Light Rail Operators have been asked to make live announcements at 8th & O Station, we will continue to remind them.
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