Let’s make the bus FAST and FREE
We’re petitioning for a November 2026 ballot initiative that would fund world class public transit in Santa Cruz County.
Santa Cruz METRO is doing amazing things…
Improving Service — Frequency of 20 minutes or better now runs within one-half mile of more than 100,000 Santa Cruz County residents.
Increasing Ridership – Better service has led to 33% more people riding the bus.
Supporting Youth – METRO’s Youth Cruz Free Program allows K-12 students to get on a bus just by showing their student ID. The program has increased student ridership by more than 400%.
Huge investments are underway…
Affordable Housing at Transit Centers – The rebuilt Pacific Station in Downtown Santa Cruz is scheduled to reopen soon with nearly 200 affordable homes. The Watsonville Transit Center (pictured right) recently secured $39 million in state funding and will be rebuilt with 79 affordable homes.
Bus-On-Shoulder Lane – Dedicated space for the bus has been set aside in the Highway 1 expansion project between Soquel Dr and Freedom Blvd exits (pictured right-top) with the option to extend this traffic-beating lane all the way south to Buena Vista Dr.
Soquel Dr Rapid Corridor – Dozens of traffic lights have been upgraded on Soquel Dr to “talk” to the bus and stay green longer when a bus approaches. New bus shelters and bus boarding islands on Soquel Dr are fully funded.
Zero Emission Fleet – With 53 hydrogen electric buses and 9 battery electric buses, more than half of METRO’s fleet is now zero emission. These buses are coming online THIS YEAR!
But without local funding, it all ends…
Federal and state funding are drying up. A locally controlled funding source is needed to MAINTAIN service. Otherwise service will be cut by 40% and the hugely successful Youth Cruz Free Program will end.
The proposed 1/2 cent (0.5%) sales tax would maintain fast-frequent service and make the bus free for most people.
Free service for K-12 youth
Free service for seniors and people with disabilities
Free service for low-income people
Free service for employees commuting to work
What’s more…
Boston found that free service reduced boarding time by as much as 23%, making the bus faster for everyone.
New York City found that free fares led to 30% more ridership on weekdays and 38% more on weekends, reducing traffic.
Frequent transit service makes our region more competitive for large affordable housing grants from the state and federal government.
Sign the petition and volunteer to help us qualify this measure for the November 2026 ballot today!