2 Bus Routes Could Merge, Affecting Rohnert Park, Cotati Riders

ROHNERT PARK, CA — Bus riders in Rohnert Park and Cotati could see changes to their routes and schedules next year as Sonoma County Transit considers merging two major bus lines and adjusting other services.

Under the proposed changes, Routes 44 and 48 would combine into a single Route 48 serving Rohnert Park, Cotati, Petaluma and Santa Rosa.

If approved, the changes would take effect Feb. 14, 2027. Residents have until Nov. 15 to submit comments.

Transit officials say the consolidation would reduce overlapping service, improve schedule reliability and simplify travel across the regional bus network.

Other proposed adjustments include replacing a one-way loop on Route 10 in Cotati with two-way service to improve access to the SMART train station. Route 26, which serves western Sonoma County and the Cotati area, would gain an additional trip and revised schedules.

For commuters, the changes could affect connections between cities, SMART trains and other transit services.

The overhaul is part of the Marin-Sonoma Coordinated Transit Service Plan, a joint effort involving Sonoma County Transit, Santa Rosa CityBus and Petaluma Transit.

During a public hearing Tuesday, county officials reviewed the proposals and gathered public input. A county staff report cited rising operating costs and efforts to reduce duplicate service.

Earlier public outreach found that 64% of respondents supported faster, more streamlined service on Routes 44 and 48, even if some trips required transfers, according to the report.

No fare changes are proposed.

Residents can review the service proposal and email comments to sct-comments@sonomacounty.gov before the deadline.