The Redding (CA) Area Bus Authority Provides Free Summer Rides

For the second year, northern California’s Redding Area Bus Authority (RABA) is launching a free fare summer campaign, providing area residents and visitors with public transportation at no cost. RABA will continue to offer free rides through September 30.

During a May 2024 meeting, the RABA Board of Directors approved fare-free service on all RABA routes, including local routes in Redding and Anderson, intercity routes to/from Shasta Lake and Anderson, the beach bus to Whiskeytown, commuter route to Burney and demand response service for persons with disabilities unable to access RABA routes. ShastaConnect services in Shasta County, including its Sunday service, will also be free for riders.

The Low Carbon Transit Operations Program through Caltrans and the Senate Bill 125 Transit Program through the California State Transportation Agency are funding this effort based on a grant awarded to the Shasta Regional Transportation Agency and RABA. Each boarding on a RABA vehicle will be reimbursed through this grant for the summer.

“Thanks to this funding, transit in Shasta County is now free for the next three months, seven days a week,” according to a press release. “Area residents and visitors can use RABA’s blue buses on weekdays and Saturdays. On Sundays, they can use ShastaConnect, a door-to-door reservation-based service.

“When riding RABA, passengers can also ask for a code to access Redding Bikeshare bicycles in downtown Redding for 60-minute unlimited rides throughout the day, acting as the first- and last-mile connection at no cost. A valid credit or debit card is required.”

“Free Shasta Summer allows us to provide RABA and ShastaConnect services for free to area residents and visitors,” John Andoh, Transit Manager for RABA, said. “It’s exciting to see RABA continue to get better. More improvements will come this summer and fall to provide Shasta County with reliable, efficient, and cost-effective public transportation services.”

Visit www.rabaride.com.