Santa Maria and Guadalupe City Councils Approve Transit System Consolidation
In a move poised to enhance regional connectivity and streamline public transportation, the City Councils of Santa Maria and Guadalupe have approved the consolidation of the Guadalupe Flyer with Santa Maria Regional Transit (SMRT). This landmark decision marks a significant step towards creating a more efficient, integrated, and rider-centric transit network across northern Santa Barbara County.
Recognizing the close ties and shared ridership between the two cities, and acknowledging the challenges faced by transit agencies, both City Councils approved exploring the benefits of unifying their public transit systems. The approved consolidation will integrate the Guadalupe Flyer’s operations into SMRT, creating a seamless transportation experience for residents of both communities.
“This consolidation represents a major step forward in improving public transit for our region,” Gamaliel Anguiano, Transit Services Manager for the City of Santa Maria, said. “By bringing the Guadalupe Flyer into the SMRT system, we can better utilize transit funding, quickly proliferate rider-centric technologies, and ultimately provide a more reliable and convenient service for community memebers in the area.”
City of Guadalupe Public Works Director David Trujillo echoed this sentiment, stating, “For Guadalupe residents, this consolidation means improved compliance, more efficient funding administration, and quicker access to modern transit technologies. We are excited about the expedited enhanced services SMRT will bring to Guadalupe.”
Analysis by both City staff and transit operations contractors determined that the consolidation is operationally, logistically, and financially viable. RATPDev, SMRT’s contractor, has confirmed sufficient resources to accommodate the Guadalupe routes. Initially, the expanded service to Guadalupe will be supported by supplemental State transit funding provided by the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) through the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP), with long-term funding secured through continued local and county contributions, as well as new Federal and State grant opportunities now available to SMRT.
- Seamless Travel: Riders will experience easier and more reliable travel between Santa Maria and Guadalupe.
- Simplified Fare System: The current two separate fare and payment systems will be unified into one.
- Enhanced Technology: Riders will gain access to unified real-time information and other rider-centric technologies region-wide.
- Expanded Mobility Options: The consolidated network will improve access to commercial, medical, educational, and employment sites in both cities.
- Streamlined Operations: Centralizing transit operations will lead to greater efficiency and improved key performance indicators.
- Increased Funding Opportunities: SMRT will be eligible for additional state and federal funding that was previously inaccessible.
- Improved Regional Connectivity: The consolidation strengthens the overall regional transit network, including better access to the Guadalupe Amtrak Station.
To help passengers with the transition, the newly consolidated SMRT fixed route bus service will be free to use beginning July 1st through July 11th. The free fare promotion is provided by SBCAG using available State grant funding.
Learn more at SMRT’s webpage, www.cityofsantamaria.org/
Questions may be directed to the SMRT Transit Services Manager at (805) 925-0951 extension 2480 or to smrtcomments@cityofsantamaria.
