SVS Commuter Bus Stop Consolidation Project

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Bus Route Map

Project Overview

The City of Sacramento is committed to enhancing the safety, accessibility, and efficiency of our public transportation system. As part of this ongoing effort, we are excited to announce the SVS (Sacramento Valley Station) Commuter Bus Stop Consolidation Project, a transformative initiative designed to improve riders' travel experiences, reduce congestion, and promote better connectivity across Sacramento. The 2018 State Rail Plan identifies the Sacramento Valley Station (SVS) as the Northern California regional Rail-Bus hub, providing direct and seamless transfers for rail and bus passengers to the complementary system for their journey. The City is working to assemble funding to construct a new Regional Bus Mobility Hub (RBMH) that will provide efficient transfers between existing passenger rail platforms and a new 18-bay bus facility, making it easier for riders to access and switch between different modes of transport.

This funding will take time to assemble, however, the City has been funded through the state Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) to begin to improve the efficiency of the region’s commuter bus services throughout Midtown, Downtown and the Railyards. This will be done by consolidating the existing scattered 34 stops into a coherent network that serves riders with strategically located, enhanced stops that build on the forthcoming transit improvements in the Central City. Today, only two of the ten commuter bus agencies serving downtown Sacramento make a direct connection to SVS, the long range plan with the completion of the RBMH, is to double the number of agencies that would connect at SVS. SACOG received a 2020 TIRCP grant to study and transform the existing network. The City of Sacramento received funding in 2022 to implement the study by constructing the new bus stops and the City is working with the various agencies in the design of the shelters and the customer amenities.

Why is this Project Happening?

Our public transportation system plays a key role in connecting Sacramento residents, commuters, and visitors to essential services, work, and recreation. In recent years, the needs of our riders have evolved, and so have the challenges faced by the city’s bus infrastructure. The California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) developed the TIRCP grant program to fund statewide transit and rail projects that will improve transit access and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. TIRCP is funded from the State Cap and Trade carbon credit program and SB1 state gas-tax funds. The California Air Resources Board is a partner in the TIRCP program. The funding for this project and other related projects to invest in the Sacramento Valley Station as the region’s premier transit hub, CalSTA recognizes the benefits for our region’s emphasis on growing transit-rail ridership in our region.

The Commuter Bus Stop Consolidation project will implement the SACOG route with new enhanced bus stops in the Central City that will:

  • Provide a more reliable and efficient experience for daily commuters
  • Improve bus accessibility for all passengers, including seniors and those with disabilities 
  • Ensure smoother transfers between different modes of transportation
  • Enhance pedestrian safety and ease of movement
  • Reduce traffic congestion around busy areas

The 2021 SACOG Downtown Transit Integration Study, funded by TIRCP, found that pre-pandemic bus routing and service locations had not been coordinated effectively, resulting in scattered and inefficient bus stops. The new routing and enhanced stops will streamline commuter bus service in the region and enhance connectivity for all riders. While the project prioritizes commuter peak-hour services, off-peak use of the network will be made available for agencies that choose to overlap this network

What Changes Are Being Made?

  • Bus Stop Relocations: Several stops will be moved for better access and connection to trains and light rail. Overall, the number of stops will be consolidated and have been designed to move from individual operator only stops to shared operator stops which are distributed more uniformly and through the high employment zones of the Central City. 
  • Improved Accessibility: New bus stop designs will typically expand into the street parking aisles (unless site-specific constraints are prohibitive), generous shelter size with high quality lighting, and digital bus information displays. 
  • Bus Priority: Bringing the bus curb to the traffic lane prioritizes the efficiency of bus schedules in heavy traffic by keeping buses in the traffic lanes 
  • Connectivity: The new stops are located to improve transfers between buses, trains, and light rail. The new Midtown Valley Rail Staton (San Joaquin and ACE trains) will be served by a new bus stop on Q Street for access to this forthcoming rail system.

Timeline of the Project

  • 2025 – Concept development
  • 2026 – Detailed Design
  • 2027 - Construction

During the construction phase, temporary changes may occur, and some bus routes may experience delays or detours. We will inform the community of up-to-date information on route adjustments and potential disruptions.

How Will This Benefit You?

Whether you’re a daily commuter, a visitor, or a local resident, this project aims to make your experience smoother and more convenient. Key benefits include:

  • Faster Service: Improved bus stop layout and better connectivity lead to quicker travel times.
  • Enhanced Comfort: Modern amenities like shelters and benches ensure a comfortable wait.
  • Safer Travel: Pedestrian-friendly improvements increase safety.

Community Engagement

We value your input! This project is about improving the transportation system for all of Sacramento, and we invite you to share your thoughts and feedback. The City of Sacramento will hold meetings and provide online platforms where residents and commuters can voice their opinions and learn more about the project’s progress. Stay connected and follow the updates on this page, where we’ll post project milestones, construction schedules, and other important information.

Contact Us

For more information about the SVS Bus Stop Relocation Project, please contact:

Email: wshunk@cityofsacramento.org

Phone: (916) 808-2986

Together, we can create a more efficient and accessible public transit system for everyone in Sacramento. Thank you for your patience and support as we work towards a better, more connected city!

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