Marin Transit Service Changes

For Immediate Release: July 17, 2013
 
Contact:             David Rzepinski
General Manager
Marin Transit
Phone:                        415-226-0864
E-mail:                        dzepinski@marintransit.org
 
MARIN TRANSIT TO ADD 15,000 HOURS OF SERVICE ANNUALLY
 
SAN RAFAEL, CA; July 17, 2013 — Marin Transit will add 15,000 hours of expanded service annually on Marin County’s existing intra-county bus routes effective Sunday, August 4. These service improvements are based on extensive public outreach, the recommendations in the agency’s Novato and Tiburon Transit Needs Assessment studies, and the opening of Target in San Rafael near Home Depot.
 
There will be a variety of improvements to local bus services throughout the county. These improvements include: smaller Community Shuttle buses in Tiburon and Novato neighborhoods; expanded Community Shuttle routes that provide more direct connections between San Rafael and Novato; service to the new San Rafael Target store upon opening; direct service between Sausalito and Mill Valley; and more frequent and later evening service on select routes.  Most communities will experience an increase in service levels.
 
These service improvements are the result of community outreach efforts to better understanding and address the local travel needs of Marin residents.  Planning and outreach work done over the past two years include Novato and Tiburon Transit Needs Assessments, Marin Transit’s Short Range Transit Plan, a Job Access Mobility Study, and a 2012 onboard survey of local transit riders.  The Marin Transit Board of Directors approved the service changes after a Public Hearing in May 2013.
 
When asked about the changes, Marin Transit General Manager David Rzepinski said, “We are excited to be able to expand our services and help people move about Marin in an efficient and environmentally-friendly manner.  These changes will have a big impact for many of our riders.”
 
Barbara Heller, President of the Marin Transit Board of Directors, stressed how fortunate the community is to have the transit district operating as effectively as Marin Transit is today. “Marin Transit is financially sound with the capabilities to respond to the needs of the community.  These changes are another example of the District evolving services to better match the needs of Marin residents,” said Heller.
 
There will be no change to local fares as a result of the service improvements.  All local bus services provided by Marin Transit cost $2 per trip for adults and $1for youth, senior, and disabled residents.  All routes accept local passes and transfers.
 
Marin Transit is conducting an extensive outreach campaign throughout the county that will first target current riders and then will be expanded to reach potential new riders. Various community and county organizations have been contacted to help the District communicate the service changes.  Marin Transit’s team of outreach specialists will be available before and after the service changes go into effect to answer questions and distribute rider guides.  The specialists will be on Marin Transit vehicles and at select bus stops where changes will occur.
 
To obtain additional information and details on the upcoming services changes, the public is encouraged to visit our website at www.marintransit.org or call 415-226-0871.
 
These are the August 4 changes to current Marin Transit routes:          
·       Replace Route 51 in Novato with Community Shuttle Route 251.
·       Extend Community Shuttle Routes 257 and 259 into Novato.
·       Replace Route 19 in Tiburon with Community Shuttle Route 219 and a 219F Route that will serve the Tiburon Ferry.
·       Extend Route 23 east of the San Rafael Transit Center (SRTC) to serve the Canal and the new Target store.
·       Replace Route 29 weekend service with a new Route 28.
·       Restructure Route 17 and Route 22 in South County so that Route 17 provides direct service between Sausalito and Mill Valley.
·       Add late night service on Route 35 serving the Canal.
·       Add service on the Novato Dial-A-Ride.
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About Marin Transit:
The Marin County Transit District (Marin Transit) was formed by a vote of the people of Marin County in 1964 and was given the responsibility for providing local transit service within Marin County.  Although Marin Transit has responsibility for local services, it does not employ its own drivers.  Instead, Marin Transit contracts with other providers, including Golden Gate Transit, Marin Airporter, MV Transportation, and Whistlestop Wheels, for local bus and paratransit services.
 
Additional information can be found at:  www.marintransit.org