Transit
Local Transit and Rail Providers
Public transit offers a convenient alternative to driving alone, helping reduce commuting costs, traffic congestion, and time behind the wheel. Using transit may also qualify you for additional commuter incentives and dibs rewards.
San Joaquin and Merced Counties have several transit agencies offering everything from intercity fixed route service to commuter buses and trains to dial-a-ride and paratransit. Check out all the options below.
Connecting between bus systems in San Joaquin County just got easier. Through the Free Bus Transfer Pilot Program, riders can transfer between participating transit agencies (see below) without paying another fare.
How It Works
Travel throughout San Joaquin County with just one day pass. If you’re transferring between participating transit agencies, there are two easy ways to ride:
- Purchase an eligible RTD Day Pass and use it to ride participating local transit agencies at no additional cost.
- Purchase an eligible day pass from a participating local transit agency and request a free RTD Day Pass from the bus operator when boarding (if you plan to transfer to the RTD system).
San Joaquin County Transit Providers
Manteca Transit provides fixed route, paratransit, and Dial-A-Ride services serving the Manteca area.
The Tracy Tracer provides fixed route, paratransit, and Dial-A-Ride services to the City of Tracy.
The Blossom Express provides the City of Ripon a flex route bus service to the general public, with four roundtrip loops from Ripon to Modesto every Tuesday and Thursday.
ETrans provides the City of Escalon with a door-to-door Dial-A-Ride service which operates within the City of Escalon and has a weekday flex route service to Modesto, three times each weekday.
Lathrop Transit provides fixed route, paratransit and Dial-A-Ride services to the city of Lathrop.
Commuter Rail
The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) has trains running from Dublin-Pleasanton to various Bay Area locations. You can drive, carpool or vanpool, or take SJRTD or StanRTA commuter buses to BART.
Merced County Transit Providers
Greyhound Bus Merced bus station with baggage check and waiting room. 710 W 16th St.
Additional Transit Providers
Calaveras Connect offers public transportation in Calaveras County and to Jackson and Columbia College Monday through Friday with the exception of most County holidays. The Saturday Hopper travels between Murphys and Angels Camp with On-Demand to Arnold every Saturday, March through November.
Tuolumne County Transit offers public transportation in Tuolumne County including service in and around Sonora, Groveland to Columbia, and a SkiBus to Dodge Ridge during the season. Dial-A-Ride is also available.
Stanislaus Regional Transit Authority (StanRTA) serves Stanislaus County with commuter services to ACE, Amtrak, and BART as well as Fixed Route, and Dial-A-Ride. Serves Turlock, Modesto, Waterford, Newman, Oakdale, Patterson, Waterford and Riverbank. Non-emergency transportation to Bay Area Medical Facilities is also available.
Turlock Transit provides transit service to the City of Turlock and the surrounding unincorporated area. Dial-A-Ride is also available.
Pre-Tax Savings
Employers may provide up to $300 per month to commuting employees for transit, parking or vanpool fees. As an employer, they pay for the benefit and receive business income tax deductions in return. As an employee, you receive the benefit free of payroll and income taxes. Check with your employer to see if they offer commuter benefits to help with your commute. For more information, read the Employer’s Tax Guide to Fringe Benefits.
FAQ
Fares vary depending on the transit service, route, and destination. Please visit the individual transit agencies webpage linked above for more information on services and cost.
It can be. During peak commute hours, travel between Stockton and the Bay Area can be significantly affected by traffic congestion. Taking the train may help reduce the uncertainty and delays associated with driving during busy commute periods.
Instead of navigating stop-and-go traffic, public transit allows you to make better use of your commute. You can read, listen to a podcast, relax, or simply enjoy a break while traveling by train or bus.