The City of Davis and Unitrans invite the community to provide survey feedback on proposed changes to Unitrans bus routes and schedules as part of the 2024–2031 Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP). Unitrans operates general public bus service within Davis and to the UC Davis campus, serving most destinations within the Davis community on fixed routes and schedules.
The online survey launches today, offering residents an opportunity to help shape transit services for the coming years to ensure the current transit services are meeting the mobility needs of the community. The survey closes on Nov.14 and can be accessed at: https://www.research.net/r/unitrans.
The planning process began in 2024 and that is why the plan range starts from 2024 and will go to 2031. The process is expected to be completed in 2026. The Plan’s focus is on making Unitrans and Davis Community Transit (DCT) operate better for the community by analyzing current Unitrans and DCT vehicle fleets, costs, funding, routes, schedules, bus stops and other transit facilities. This Plan is needed for any transit agency to receive federal funding and to receive State Transportation Development Act Funds, both of which are important funding sources for local transit in Davis.
Proposed Route Changes:
- East and South Davis: Routes in East and South Davis currently experience more reliability issues than other Unitrans routes due to traffic congestion and passenger demand. Proposed changes are designed to improve overall transit reliability and provide more timely and direct service to riders.
- Central Davis: Changes focus on reducing travel times, improving connectivity, and eliminating route duplication, especially for routes serving the Memorial Union Bus Terminal.
Service Hour Changes:
Expanded Friday and Weekend Service: Based on community feedback, there is a need to extend service hours on A, G, K, M, P, Q and U lines. Currently on Friday, the last departure from a UC Davis terminal is around 8 p.m. The proposal would extend Friday service hours with the last run departing close to 10 p.m. or after 10 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, the current last departure from the Memorial Union Terminal is after 6 p.m. and the proposed last departure would be after 8 p.m.
Implementation of Local Bus Service to Catalina Drive: Bus service is proposed to return to Catalina Drive as a Unitrans local route between Alvarado Ave. and Grande Avenue The northern part of Catalina Drive had Yolobus express service until January 2025, and Unitrans operated a bus line along the full length of Catalina Drive until 2013. The route change proposal includes adding bus service on Catalina Drive from 6:55 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday every 30 to 60 minutes. Proposed stops would be located near the greenbelt crossing north of Covell Blvd. or at former Yolobus stop locations.
Residents are encouraged to participate in the following in-person engagement activities hosted by either the City of Davis or Unitrans: Oct.14 from 3-6 p.m. at the Silo Bus Terminal, Oct.15 from 3-6 p.m. at the Memorial Union Bus Terminal and Oct. 25 from 5-7 p.m. at the Davis Food Co-Op.
As a thank-you for participating in the survey, respondents can enter to win one of five $20 electronic gift cards redeemable at businesses throughout downtown Davis.
For more information on the draft recommendations, a summary of the work done on the project thus far, and what to expect in the coming months, visit the project webpage: https://www.cityofdavis.org/city-hall/public-works-engineering-and-transportation/transportation/transportation-planning/2024-2031-short-range-transit-plan.
Press Contact Information: Barbara Archer, barcher@cityofdavis.org 530-400-3418
