ENWhat makes the Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) stand out is our true “rags-to-riches” story of how we rose up from financial instability, poor service and image, rising costs, and lack of trust from the community and our riders, to make a historic turnaround in just a few years. Between 2018-2025, we lowered fares; expanded service; completed a comprehensive route optimization; regained the trust of city jurisdictions and reannexed them back into SacRT; implemented the Light Rail Modernization Project; was awarded funding to start the Hydrogen Bus and Fueling Facility; started construction on the Watt/I-80 Improvement Project; implemented the nation’s first free rides for student program of its magnitude; achieved double-digit ridership growth; and increased operating reserves by nearly 500% – all for the first time in our 50-plus-year history.
Not an easy task when funding at the local level is just a mere 1/5th of a penny – in fact, SacRT’s local funding is up to five times less than more robust transit agencies receive, which can be as high as a penny and a half. It took the arrival of a transformational General Manager/CEO Henry Li, APTA’s 2019 Manager of the Year awardee, led by board chairs Jay Schenirer, Andy Morin, Patrick Kennedy, Steve Hansen, Steve Miller, and Rick Jennings who came prepared to make tough decisions, mend broken relationships, refocus on safety and customer experience, and invigorate and empower a diverse workforce to operate SacRT like never before.
Through a clear vision, renewed strategic plan and data-driven approach, and bold business optimization initiatives, SacRT has improved service delivery, restored fiscal stability, attracted new and returning riders and delivered a clean, safe and accessible service for the region.
Here are some highlights of the major initiatives SacRT has achieved:
Light Rail Modernization
A project this big starts at the top. Nine years ago, General Manager/CEO Henry Li and the SacRT Board of Directors announced a rededication to fundamental goals: put customers first, offering them clean, safe, convenient and accessible transit service.
It was time to implement a much-needed overhaul of SacRT’s light rail system and so the Light Rail Modernization Project was born. It is one of the biggest projects in SacRT’s history, second to the start of light rail service in 1987. While it sounds like there were no roadblocks to start this project, make no mistake, there was zero funding set aside for any system improvements (new fleet, track, or construction).
Through perseverance and a strategic, creative approach to grant funding, SacRT successfully assembled the resources needed to move the $1 billion project forward. In many ways, it’s remarkable that the project has progressed as far and fast as it has, given the initial limitations and eligibility constraints tied to state and federal funding. Despite these challenges, SacRT adopted a phased approach – one that, while not without imperfections, made continued progress possible.
The multi-phased modernization project is expected to be completed in 2027. It includes several major components: Low-Floor Trains; Station Platform Modifications; Folsom 15-Minute Service; New Stations including the future Dos Rios and Railyards stations, which are under construction, and the Horn Road Station.
Low-Floor Trains
As one of the first light rail systems in the United States, with construction of SacRT’s “Starter Line” completed in 1987, prior to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Some of the existing light rail train cars date from a few years before 1987, the year SacRT opened the first light rail line.
The high-floor trains require riders to climb stairs to board and passengers with disabilities to board via a single elevated 36-inch boarding platform (known as a mini-high platform). These trains only provided accessibility for persons using mobility devices by the mini-high ramp located at the end of each station through the front door of the first/lead car of the train, limiting access to only one door of one train car.
The legacy fleet of high-floor trains have been true workhorses; however, they are years past their allotted life span. Many are so antiquated that companies no longer make spare parts for them. The new Siemens S700 low-floor light rail vehicles represent a major accessibility upgrade for SacRT riders. These vehicles eliminate stairs, offer easier boarding for passengers with mobility devices to board any train car through multiple doors using a deployable bridge plate ramp instead of just the first door of the first car.
A multimillion-dollar project of this magnitude takes a long time to complete and for the full funding to be secured. As such, SacRT has implemented a phased approach to the Light Rail Modernization Project, which required the challenge of modernizing the system while continuing to operate the legacy fleet. To support both the existing high-floor vehicles and the new low-floor light rail vehicles, SacRT designed station platforms to accommodate both fleets. This hybrid design is essential, as some of the legacy vehicles will remain in service through approximately 2034. As a result, passengers with disabilities currently board the new low-floor trains using a deployable ramp.
SacRT based its platform and vehicle design on the successful model used by San Diego MTS, which faced similar fleet integration challenges and has demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach over several years. This approach to procurement resulted in savings to SacRT due to economies of scale and provided the additional benefit of learning from and improving upon lessons learned by San Diego MTS, which started running the new trains ahead of SacRT. Prior to the final design approval and start of new low-floor train service, SacRT held multiple in-person events at both the Siemens manufacturing facility and at light rail stations to test out the low-floor boarding ramps with the Mobility Advisory Council (MAC) and the general public, including bicycle advocacy groups to address any accessibility issues.
This considerate and strategic approach is the best option of a combination of maintaining service continuation with better ride experience, significant accessibility improvement, and a historical rail system modernization and expansion process, while remaining fully compliant with ADA regulations.
Station Platform Modification
To meet the height requirements of the new low-floor light rail trains, SacRT had to modify the existing light rail station platforms by raising them 8 inches providing a reasonable step for people accessing the trains from both the platform level and city streets in the downtown core where cars and light rail trains share the roadway. At most stations there is a gradual slope between the new 8-inch platform and the existing platform. In some stations there is not sufficient space for a gradual slope, in which case a contrasting treatment and/or handrail extending the full width of the new platform is required in accordance with ADA standards.
Passenger-activated ramps provide low-floor access to the new light rail vehicles, especially for passengers using mobility devices or who are unable to make the step from the platform into the vehicles. The design was developed and adjusted based on feedback from the MAC, peer agencies, and disability advocates, and was approved by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) through the Equivalent Facilitation process.
The ramps are wider than federal minimum requirements and provide a more gradual slope than ADA standards require. From a communications standpoint, SacRT often refers to it as “level” boarding ramps to make it easier to explain the design feature to the public when comparing it to the legacy high-floor fleet, which requires stepping up into the train; however, the official term is “low-floor” boarding ramps.
15-Minute Service to Folsom Stations
After 20 years of limited 30-minute service to Folsom area stations, in January 2025, SacRT launched increased service frequency to the last seven miles of the Gold Line. As part of the Light Rail Modernization Project, SacRT was successful in securing a state grant to fund a portion of the improved service; however, the granting agency only funded one of the the two passing tracks needed to achieve unrestricted 15-minute service frequency between Historic Folsom and Sunrise stations.
SacRT was faced with the decision to delay the project until additional funding was secured for the second passing track or move forward and accelerate the construction of the first passing track near Glenn Drive. Looking at the long-term pros and cons that included potential increased construction cost and a lengthy delay of additional service to the residents of Folsom, SacRT made the bold decision to move forward with construction and operation.
Thanks to the addition of a new passing track, light rail trains now serve the Folsom area with 15-minute frequency for three out of four trips each hour, with the fourth operating every 30 minutes. Although the hope was to be able to operate all four trips at 15 minutes, the initial launch faced environmental challenges that required modifying the schedule – including power outages, inclement weather, and tight scheduling across the Gold Line – the additional service represents a substantial improvement over the previous 30-minute service. Even while the project is still ongoing, phase 1 of the upgrade already delivers a meaningful benefit to Folsom residents, as SacRT continues to seek grant funding for a second passing track near Hazel Station to further improve service reliability and frequency.
These headway improvements have come just a few years after SacRT expanded late night service to Folsom area stations through 11:30 p.m. Prior to making that improvement, train service to Folsom ended around 7 p.m.
Enhanced Passenger Communication Systems
Similar to the light rail trains, SacRT’s station communication systems are in the process of being modernized. In preparation, SacRT conducted extensive work to address communication issues with the automated station announcements related to the rollout of the new low-floor light rail trains. These announcements are critical for riders, especially for those that need to know where to board an incoming light rail train (mini-high ramp or platform), which is a mixed-fleet on the Gold Line.
SacRT, in partnership with Siemens and ISC conducted extensive onboard ride testing of both audio and visual announcements at each station, adjusting software to significantly improve accuracy and consistency in both announcements and electronic displays directly improving the rider experience and system accessibility. In addition, SacRT worked with community members to make positive changes to acoustic safety signaling.
Watt/I-80 Transit Center Improvement Project
SacRT celebrated a significant milestone with the start of construction on the Watt/I-80 Transit Center Improvement Project in July 2024. This ambitious project aims to enhance safety, accessibility, and overall customer experience at one of the region’s largest transit hubs.
SacRT recently invested millions into the transit center, including upgrading the two elevators, and will invest $26 million in the new improvements over span of the project. The project is expected to be completed in early 2026, promising a transformed transit hub that will better serve the needs of SacRT riders and the surrounding community.
The Watt/I-80 Transit Center Improvement Project includes widening of the Watt Avenue Bridge, construction of an open-air stairwell linking Watt Avenue and the transit center, a new bus/pedestrian plaza, improvements to freeway on-ramps, and upgrades to the portion of the transit center located beneath Watt Avenue. Collectively, these improvements will help attract more riders, accommodate additional bus service from other regional operators, and enhance the overall safety of the transit center, which was an ongoing challenge for many years due to the initial design of the station.
Construction Activity and Service Adjustments
As part of the growing pains, Watt/I-80 customers will experience temporary modifications in bus and elevator service during periods of construction activity. These important service adjustments allow SacRT to keep the station and service open while ensuring continued safe passenger access throughout the station and along adjacent.
Due to the unique location of the station centered between a busy freeway and surface streets, SacRT made several operational changes to protect customers during construction including modified bus routes and relocating bus layovers (away from active construction areas). These areas are monitored daily by supervisors and dedicated station staff for most of the day every day to ensure continued safe access and passenger boarding.
As with all SacRT projects, advanced communication to the public is provided prior to any changes through a dedicated webpage that includes project updates, maps, and FAQs for riders; social media posts; email alerts; press releases; articles in the passenger newsletter, and notifications announcing detours, construction changes, and elevator status; signage and directional boards installed throughout the station, showing passengers where to board or transfer safely. Several updates to the Board and the public about this project were also provided at Board meetings.
In addition, as construction impacts station access, SacRT’s trip-planning feeds used by Google and other apps may occasionally reflect static stop information that does not fully account for short-term detours. To address this, SacRT’s technical team actively manages real-time detour data to ensure rider-facing apps show the most accurate stop information possible during ongoing construction.
Watt/I-80 Elevators
SacRT has worked diligently to reduce the number of elevator break down at Watt and I 80 over the past four years. SacRT has provided several updates to the Board of Directors and the public as it experienced protracted construction issues with new customized elevators installed at the Watt/I-80 light rail station, which primarily occurred in 2022 and 2023.
Due to frequent door faults when elevator doors were held open, as well as frequent vandalism, SacRT implemented a program in September of 2023, using existing SacRT staff to provide an elevator attendant.
The elevator attendant program resulted in tremendously improved elevator performance with minimal elevator outages. Any elevator issues are reported immediately if there is a current problem and a bus bridge is started. There have not been any bus bridges for the elevators being down at Watt and I 80 since October of 2024.
SmaRT Ride Transition to SacRT Flex
In 2018 SacRT launched SmaRT Ride, becoming an industry leader and pioneer in the new on-demand microtransit service. It was immediately popular and SacRT received a one-time grant from the Sacramento Transportation Authority to expand the pilot program to 9 zones throughout the county. When the Covid pandemic hit, SmaRT Ride was a valuable lifeline for many vulnerable residents, only seeing a 10% decline in ridership in the early months of the pandemic before growing.
Because the pilot program was supported with a one-time grant, SacRT engaged the Board of Directors, riding public and the Mobility Advisory Committee on a cost-effective replacement program. SacRT brought the proposal to the Board of Directors in August 2024. It was refined through robust public engagement and the board approved transitioning the program to SacRT Flex in early November 2024. All 9 zones were maintained, and the program focused on a limited group of qualified riders with the greatest transportation needs, including seniors (age 62+), low-income individuals, and persons with disabilities.
To use SacRT Flex, riders must meet the eligibility requirements and register in advance. Since the soft launch in December and the full transition in January, SacRT has only received positive feedback regarding the program, and the innovative transformation once again leads the industry trend saving an estimated $100 million over a 10-year period, which will significantly help SacRT’s fiscal sustainability.
New Hydrogen Fueling Station and Upgraded Bus Facility
Since 2018, SacRT has been at the forefront of sustainable transportation innovation, committed to operating a 100% zero-emission fleet by 2040. As part of this long-term vision, SacRT is transforming its Bus Maintenance Facility (BMF-2) at McClellan Park into a cutting-edge zero-emission hub. A centerpiece of this transformation is the development of northern Sacramento’s first hydrogen fueling station – an essential step in reducing harmful emissions and improving regional air quality.
This project marks a transformative investment in Sacramento’s sustainable transportation thanks to the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) competitive Low or No Emission Grant program award of $76,847,678 in Capital Investment funds. The grant will enable SacRT to purchase new hydrogen fuel cell buses, replace aging fleet vehicles, construct a permanent hydrogen fueling station, modernize a key bus maintenance facility, and establish a workforce development program to train local workers in maintaining and operating the advanced zero-emission buses.
Demonstrating its proactive leadership, SacRT issued a Request for Information (RFI) on January 6, 2025, to gather insights from industry experts on a range of hydrogen supply solutions, including both on-site production and delivery. The goal is to identify the safest, most scalable, and cost-effective approach to support the phased deployment of Fuel Cell Electric Buses (FCEBs)—starting with 29 vehicles and expanding to 89 as infrastructure and funding allow. While no final decision has been made, this deliberate, data-informed process underscores SacRT’s commitment to responsible and forward-looking implementation.
SacRT is also fully aligned with California’s environmental regulations, including the requirement under Senate Bill 1505 to source a minimum of 33.3% renewable hydrogen. As such, all hydrogen fueling solutions pursued by SacRT will meet or exceed these standards.
Partnership is central to SacRT’s approach. The agency is actively collaborating with regional and statewide leaders—SMUD, SACOG, the City of Sacramento, the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, and the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) —to accelerate the clean hydrogen economy and ensure an equitable, sustainable transition.
The urgency of this work is clear. The Sacramento region continues to experience some of the worst air quality in the nation, with 94% of greenhouse gas emissions coming from transportation and buildings. In alignment with the City’s 2040 General Plan and the state’s Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) regulation, SacRT is embracing both battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell buses to meet aggressive emissions reduction targets—including full compliance with the zero-emission bus mandate by 2040.
SacRT’s zero-emission transition is not only about compliance—it’s about setting a standard. By carefully evaluating technologies and prioritizing environmental integrity, SacRT is laying the foundation for a cleaner, healthier future for Sacramento and beyond.
New Dos Rios Station
Despite zero funding identified to move this important community project forward, SacRT worked behind the scenes for many years to identify funding sources and as a result, was successful in securing over $45 million to from local, state and federal funding sources to support the station construction from a variety of sources including the state of California’s Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Grant, Affordable Housing & Sustainable Communities program, SB125, Transit Intercity Rail Capital program and the federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity grant as well as a Congressionally directed spending secured by Congresswoman Matsui. This was not an easy task to secure so many discretionary awards to move the project forward.
Initial construction of the project was delayed due to higher levels of toxins in the soil that resulted in an additional two years of environmental cleanup. As a result of the delays with the environmental clean-up, SacRT had to work with our grant partners to extend the term of grant funds to ensure the station would be built. The new Dos Rios station is on track to be completed by the end of 2026 almost one year from the start of construction, which began in November 2024.
The Dos Rios Station is part of a larger community development initiative, which includes affordable housing. This project aims to bring environmental, mobility, health, and economic benefits to Sacramento’s River District and Mirasol Village communities.
New Fare Payment App Launching This Summer!
SacRT embraces technology as its backbone to improving the customer experience. Continuing this approach, this summer SacRT will launch a new, easy-to-use fare payment app, called “Transit Connect,” offering a seamless way to purchase and manage fares. The new payment platform will be rolled out in multiple phases to provide a smooth transition for customers.
Due to a significant rise in vandalism occurring daily to many of SacRT’s Connect Card screen reader tap devices at light rail stations, significantly disrupting fare payment options for riders, SacRT accelerated long-term solutions to its fare payment system with the anticipated launch of the new fare app eventually phasing out the old tap devices at light rail systems and replacing it with a more resilient system. This is particularly critical for state employees, college students and recipients of benefits from social service agencies, among others using the Connect Card system. They will have access to SacRT fares on their mobile device for the first time without having to go through cumbersome processes to receive reimbursement or find a working Connect Card tap device at a light rail station.
The first phase of the project will introduce the new consolidated mobile fare payment application for SacRT and Yolobus passengers (Yolobus also currently uses ZipPass application). Tickets and passes will be validated visually during this implementation phase, similar to SacRT’s current mobile app, ZipPass. Passengers will also be able to add fare to the mobile application through a third-party retail network creating additional options for passengers to convert cash to mobile fares.
Once fully implemented, the new payment platform will provide customers with a consolidated app experience that combines fare payment, trip planning, alerts, and enhanced messaging, among other features. Now that additional funding has been identified, Phase 2 of the project will also integrate the new Transit Connect app with the current Tap2Ride system installed on SacRT’s bus and SacRT GO fleet. Electronic validation will provide both SacRT and customers with even more benefits, including transfer between bus and light rail (with fare capping), faster boarding times with little-to-no operator interaction, improved data location, and reduction in potential fraud. Phase 2 of the project is estimated to occur in early spring 2026.
Similar to the Connect Card system, the new mobile fare app will include SacRT’s transit partners in a phased approach beginning in summer 2026 with full integration expected to occur by fall 2026.
Over the last decade, SacRT is among the most ambitious and cutting-edge transit districts in the nation – implementing a series of historic and transformative initiatives using taxpayer funding in a fiscally responsible manner being recognized with several local, state and national awards including the Sacramento Taxpayer Association’s 2019 Good Governance Award, American Public Transportation Association’s 2021 Outstanding Public Transportation System of the Year in North America Award, as well as many others.
SacRT will continue to raise the bar, driven by a relentless commitment to move the Sacramento region forward. We’re excited for what the next decade holds.