As restrictions begin to loosen and more people get back to work and other activities, the Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) is reminding our customers and the public that its ready to safely welcome riders on board transit when they are ready, with the launch of its “SacRT is Ready: Get on Board” campaign.

“SacRT has provided essential transit for millions of riders throughout the pandemic,” said SacRT General Manager/CEO Henry Li.” As employees start returning to their offices and people feel more comfortable shopping, going out to restaurants and gathering with others, we want to remind them that our system is a clean, safe and convenient way to travel throughout the region.”

SacRT has been vital to supporting the Sacramento region’s recovery and provided over 10 million passenger trips since the pandemic began, underscoring the essential lifeline services that SacRT provides to the Sacramento community.

As vaccines become more readily available, and the economy reopens, SacRT anticipates ridership to continue to grow. Ridership is trending up approximately 5% in April compared to March 2021, and up approximately 30% from April 2020.

"As restrictions loosen, and the state and county reopen, more and more of our residents are beginning to get back to their routines—and SacRT is ready to get them where they need to go," said SacRT Board Chair and Mayor of the City of Citrus Heights Steve Miller. "Public transit was essential before the pandemic and now, it plays an even more critical role in our ability to safely reopen.”

Since the beginning of the pandemic, SacRT has further enhanced an already robust cleaning regimen of its stations and vehicles. Each vehicle is cleaned before going into service and throughout the day, in addition to routine deep cleanings. Numerous adjustments also have been made to bus and light rail service, including providing as much service as possible to offer ample room for riders.

To help re-enforce the federal mask mandate for public transportation, SacRT has free masks available at the Customer Service and Sales Center, and onboard most buses and trains. In addition, SacRT has distributed more than 600,000 free masks since July 2020. Learn more about the mask mandate and COVID-19 safety precautions at www.sacrt.com/covid19.

Although the pandemic presented challenges for SacRT – as it did for businesses and organizations worldwide – we continued to move forward with investing in a more equitable innovative mobility system through ongoing infrastructure improvements and new service and technology investments.

Over the last year, SacRT transitioned the operation of ADA paratransit and non-ADA demand response service back in-house, called SacRT GO; expanded on-demand SmaRT Ride service zones, becoming the largest microtransit service provider in the nation; purchased 20 new low-floor light rail vehicles as part of a nearly $600 million Light Rail Modernization project; purchased new zero emission electric buses that will launch on the Airport Express route in September; installed new smart fare vending machines, which offer more convenient ways to pay; annexed with the City of Elk Grove to take over transit services on July 1; and will soon offer a contactless fare payment option onboard light rail vehicles.

SacRT has also offered several opportunities for residents to ride fare-free, including free rides to voting centers, free rides to get to and from a scheduled COVID-19 vaccine appointment, free rides to hiring opportunities in the Central City, and free ride days to help alleviate traffic congestion during the Caltrans Highway 99 closure.

WELCOME BACK TO TRANSIT:
Here are some helpful resources to welcome you back to riding SacRT.

Transit Services:
https://www.sacrt.com/services/

Schedules:
https://www.sacrt.com/schedules/

How to Ride:
https://www.sacrt.com/services/howtoride

Plan your Trip:
https://www.sacrt.com/tripplanner/gtp

SacRT is Ready: Get on Board