The S Vision 2032

StanRTA is conducting a Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA), a study that compares existing transit service to what is actually needed and desired in Stanislaus County. The result of the COA will be an improved system. The S will launch the improved system in March 2023!

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StanRTA_COA_Community outreach website graphic_NEW (1)

NEW PROPOSED NETWORK CHANGES ARE HERE!The S bus in front of a bus stop

The Purpose of Making Changes to The S is to:

  • Better meet the travel needs of people in Stanislaus County.
  • Match demand services with the supply of vehicles and operators.

What We Have Done So Far:

  • We collected and analyzed data about the community and transit service performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
  • We reached out to riders and the community to hear how they ride transit and travel to inform recommendations.
  • We developed goals and service concepts to better match demand and transit supply.
  • We designed recommendations to support the success of transit in Stanislaus county.
  • We held public events to share recommendations and get feedback and suggestions from the community. 

Major Changes Identified:

Looking for maps, event information, or to provide input on the proposed changes? Jump to the section below: 

System Map

Phase2_Weekday_City Map

Share Your Feedback on the Proposed Bus Network Redesign

Please comment on the proposed service network changes by submitting comments on our online feedback form here: Submit Feedback Online

STAY INVOLVED

Subscribe to new below to receive updates including meeting notices, study findings, and future surveys. We will not use your information for any other purposes. 

  • On-board Survey - Completed in April 2022. 
  • Online Survey  - Completed in June 2022.
  • Public Meetings and Presentations - Completed in October 2022.
  • Read the Existing Conditions Report. The purpose of this report is to document existing service characteristics and system performance and serve as the foundation for developing recommendations.  
  • Share your input about The S Vision 2032 here.
  • Read media reports about The S Vision 2032 here. 
  • Watch a presentation here! 
  • See the COA Final Report here.

StanCOG presentation

COA
  1. Existing Conditions Report
ChapterTitleWhat questions does the chapter answer?
Chapter 1 
Introduction
  • Project overview.
  • Impacts of COVID-19.
Chapter 2Overview of the System
  • How was Ride the S formed?
  • What services does The S operate?
Chapter 3Fixed Route Service Evaluation
  • When, where, and how frequently does the system currently run?
  • How productive is each route?
  • What is the on-time performance rate for each route?
Chapter 4Flexible Services Evaluation
  • What are the different flexible services operated?
  • Where and when are riders using these services?
  • How productive are these services?
Chapter 5Paratransit Service Evaluation
  • Where and when is paratransit service provided, and who is eligible to ride?
  • How are the riders using the paratransit service?
  • How productive is the paratransit service?
Chapter 6Other Regional Transit Services and Agencies
  • What other regional agencies are providing transportation services in Stanislaus County?
  • Who is eligible to ride with these other providers?
Chapter 7Transit Demand Analysis
  • What are the sociodemographic characteristics of the areas served by Ride the S?
  • Where are people commuting for work?
  • How much is population and employment expected to grow?
Chapter 8Corridor Demand
  • How has travel changed since the COVID-19 pandemic?
  • What are the highest local, intercity, and regional origin-destination pairs?
  • What corridors represent opportunities for transit improvements?
Chapter 9Fare Structure
  • What is the current fare structure?
  • Who qualifies for reduced fares?
Chapter 10Fleet and Facilities
  • How many and what type of vehicles are in the fleet?
  • What percentage of stops have amenities?
  • Where are the transit stations and transfer points in the system?
Chapter 11Key Findings
  • Summarized the major takeaways from chapters 2 through 10.
  • Recommends actions/follow-up based on key findings.
Chapter 12Next Steps
  • What are the next steps in the project? 
  1. Frequently Asked Questions
What is this project?
This project will combine data and community input to help align community needs with how Ride the S operates. It will result in three plans:
  • The Comprehensive Operations Analysis (COA) will guide implementation of changes in the next year.
  • The Short-Range Transit Plan (SRTP) will guide recommendations for changes and updates over the next five years. These will include financially constrained or viable projects.
  • The Long-Range Transit Plan (LRTP) will recommend how the agency will work towards its longer-term goals. These goals will be developed as part of this process.

Why do we need this project?

MAX and StaRT became one system called The S in 2021. To make the system work for as many people as possible, both during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, we need to understand where people can go and where they want to go, and to make sure policies like fares and hours of operation make sense. We also need to ensure that the service is financially sustainable.

What could change as a result of this project?

This project will look at bus routes, the types of service available throughout the county, bus schedules, bus stops, the amount of service (frequency and hours), the quality and ease of understanding information, transfer locations, equity considerations, and fares.