Sonoma County Transit is inviting the community to participate in shaping the future of public transportation in the valley. This initiative, known as the Strategic Transit Plan, aims to address the evolving needs of residents post-pandemic and amidst declining farebox revenue. The plan will reassess fixed-route buses, paratransit, and emerging mobility solutions, providing a unique opportunity for locals to influence the design of their transit infrastructure.
The project, which will run until early 2027, is a collaborative effort involving Sonoma County Transit, the Sonoma County Transportation & Climate Authorities, Santa Rosa CityBus, and Petaluma Transit. By engaging the community, the initiative seeks to create a more reliable, accessible, and connected mobility system for all riders.
One of the key aspects of this plan is its localized focus on the Sonoma Valley. Residents of the valley have the chance to directly impact the future of vital services like the #32 Sonoma Shuttle, which connects people to regional jobs, schools, and medical services. This is a rare opportunity to address specific service gaps and improve the overall transit experience for the valley's residents, workers, and visitors.
Sonoma County Transit is organizing a series of community engagement events this summer to ensure that valley voices are heard. These include workshops and a survey, with the survey available on the SCT website (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JKLWK9Y). The survey aims to gather insights on current service gaps, safety concerns, and potential improvements.
The workshops will be held in various locations, including La Luz Center, Windsor Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center/Windsor Depot, and Sebastopol Veterans Memorial/Sebastopol Center For the Arts. These events will provide a platform for residents to share their perspectives and contribute to the planning process. Spanish-speaking staff and fully translated materials will be available to ensure broad participation.
To register for the workshops, residents can visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe3rvBIu4Nwn4OqLPt00fdR4OfyU6ne82PPeRH828DS8uK-Tg/viewform. A Zoom link will be provided after registration for the virtual workshop. Additionally, participants who complete the survey will be entered into a raffle to win a $100 Visa gift card, incentivizing local feedback.
The feedback collected will be used to develop draft strategies, which will then undergo further public review and winter workshops. The finalized Strategic Transit Plan is expected to be delivered by March 2027. This initiative is distinct from the city's Active Transportation Plan, which focuses on walking, biking, and rolling infrastructure within city limits.
In summary, Sonoma County Transit's Strategic Transit Plan offers a unique opportunity for the community to shape the future of public transportation in the valley. By engaging residents and considering their needs, the initiative aims to create a more reliable and accessible transit system, benefiting all who rely on it.
