SmaRT Ride FAQs

What is SmaRT Ride microtransit service?
Microtransit is a form of demand response transportation that allows users to request a ride via a smartphone app, phone call or online.

How does SmaRT Ride work?
SmaRT Ride is a rideshare service. The innovation behind the software is an algorithm that assigns the closest shuttle bus to request pick up and drop offs based on locations around each other. When demand increases, wait times also increase. Riders are picked up and dropped off along the flexible route meanwhile the software continuously updates to provide rider wait times and trip destination arrival times. The predictions are subject to change based on unforeseen circumstances as traffic conditions, delays caused by passengers (i.e. no show), and/or a traffic incident.

Where is SmaRT Ride service available?
SmaRT Ride currently operates in the following service areas:

Corner-to-Corner Service Zones:

• Arden-Carmichael
• Downtown-Midtown-East Sacramento
• Elk Grove
• Florin-Gerber
• Folsom
• Franklin-South Sacramento
• Natomas-North Sacramento
• Rancho Cordova

Curb-to-Curb Service Zones:

• Citrus Heights-Orangevale-Antelope

SmaRT Ride service is only available within each designated geographical service zone. SmaRT Ride shuttles cannot travel outside the service boundaries. If unable to book a trip, please check that the origin and/or destination address is within the service coverage area. Each service area has connections to light rail stations and/or transit centers for connections to other SacRT service. There are some popular destinations outside of a service area. These will be denoted on the map.

What is Curb-to-Curb SmaRT Ride service?
Passengers are picked up and dropped off at the address they indicated when scheduling. Only the Citrus Heights-Antelope-Orangevale SmaRT Ride zone offers curb-to-curb service.  

What is Corner-to-Corner SmaRT Ride service?
Passengers are picked up and dropped off at the nearest corner or ‘virtual bus stop,’ which is usually within a block or two of their pickup or drop-off location. All zones, except the Citrus Heights-Antelope-Orangevale SmaRT Ride zone offer corner-to-corner service.  

What is the Downtown Core?
The Downtown Core (north of S Street, west of 20th Street) is a limited stop zone, where Smart Ride will serve specific existing bus stops. See the map for locations.

Can I track my SmaRT Ride shuttle in real-time?
Customers at any time can monitor where the vehicle is on the route by checking the smartphone app. Riders will receive alerts when the bus is approaching through the SmaRT Ride app. Riders must be outside and on the curb ready to board the vehicle. If other passengers are on board, you may or may not be dropped off immediately after boarding. The closest pickup or drop off assigned to the vehicle will occur next. The vehicle operator is provided geocoded pick up location instructions electronically by the scheduling software. The operator does not decide who to pick up or drop off next, this is determined by the algorithm to best maximize efficiency and therefore the most efficient route. 

How long are typical wait times?
Wait times may vary, especially during high demand periods. Wait times can be as little as a few minutes to just under an hour.

How much does it cost to ride?
All riders pay basic fare ($2.50 for a single ride) unless eligible for discount fare ($1.25 for a single ride). SacRT daily and monthly passes are valid for unlimited rides on buses (including SmaRT Ride) and light rail trains for the date or month shown on the pass. Groups of five or more people traveling from the same location to the same destination ride for free.

How do I pay for my SmaRT Ride trip?
To make boarding faster, you can purchase your fare in advance by downloading SacRT’s free ZipPass app (App Store or Google Play); order a Connect Card (transit smart card) from connecttransitcard.com; or pay with cash when you board (operators do not carry change). SacRT daily and monthly passes are also accepted. The SacRT SmaRT Ride app cannot be used to purchase fare.

What are the hours of operation?
SmaRT Ride operates Monday through Friday. The service hours vary for each zone and range from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Is SmaRT Ride safe?
All SacRT drivers have undergone background checks,are subject to random drug testing, and wear identifiable SacRT branded uniforms. And, all buses are equipped with onboard surveillance cameras that are monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Can I take my bike on SmaRT Ride?
Most SmaRT Ride shuttles have bike racks. At this time, the electric shuttles used in the Downtown-Midtown zone do not have bike racks. SacRT hopes to add bike racks to these shuttles soon.  

Can I book a SmaRT Ride trip a day in advance?
All reservations must be made on the day of travel during regular service hours. Rides can be cancelled at any time before it is scheduled to arrive. Remember to give yourself additional time if you have an appointment you must arrive on time to.

How is SmaRT Ride funded?
SacRT’s SmaRT Ride on-demand microtransit service is funded through contributions from the Sacramento Transportation Authority, which provided an initial program award of $12 million in 2018 that expired in June 2023, and recently awarded an additional $2.5 million to help support the service over the next two years. SmaRT Ride also receives operating funds from Sacramento County and the cities of Citrus Heights and Folsom. SacRT supplements operating funds and covers the entirety of the capital costs for the program. 

How can I book a ride if I don’t have a smartphone?
SacRT also accepts trip bookings by phone at 916-556-0100 during core business hours.