Yolo Transit outlines revenue‑neutral SRTP shifts, Woodland approves downtown transfer point

The Yolo Transit District on Sept. 16 presented a revenue‑neutral short range transit plan (SRTP) that would shift service in Woodland toward higher frequency fixed‑route service on core corridors, expand microtransit coverage and establish a new downtown transfer point on Main Street between Fifth and Sixth.

Senior planner Lola Torni and Planning Director Brian Abinat said the SRTP aims to prioritize frequency over coverage where feasible, creating 30‑minute service on key corridors in Woodland, Davis and West Sacramento while retaining microtransit (Beeline) for coverage areas. Torni said the plan is revenue neutral in concept and would be phased in after board approval; staff estimated the plan would increase daily trips served in Woodland from 109 to 154 (a 41 percent increase).

One specific operational change would combine existing clockwise and counterclockwise loops (Routes 211 and 212) into a single bidirectional Route 213 to reduce long circuitous transfers. Staff also proposed reducing the number of Beeline vans in Woodland from four to two to reallocate capacity and funding toward higher‑capacity fixed‑route buses; YTD staff said Beeline trips are in demand but cost more per passenger and that the agency is sometimes turning away Beeline trip requests.

The SRTP presentation included multimodal access maps showing that, as modeled, the majority of Woodland residents would reach key destinations such as Woodland Memorial Hospital or the Walmart at Yolo Polo Plaza within shorter travel times under the recommended scenario. Torni said implementation would follow board approval, with detailed scheduling and stop location work proceeding over the next 6–18 months.

Separately, YTD and city staff presented a proposed downtown transfer point on Main Street (between Fifth and Sixth) as an alternative to the County Fair Mall. The proposed site would provide identifiable shelters, bus pads, lighting, and pedestrian and wayfinding improvements; staff noted potential SACOG Mobility Zones grant funding for broader place‑making and pedestrian improvements. Councilors asked about traffic, operator breaks (staff said layovers would be accommodated elsewhere on the Route 42 A/B line), and public outreach; staff said more outreach would be held including a farmers‑market pop‑up and that the pilot Beeline expansion will launch Sept. 28.

Council approved a motion to forward the routing and transfer‑point recommendation to the Yolo Transit District board for consideration, and supported continuing SRTP outreach and a phased implementation plan. Staff cautioned that implementation likely would not begin until mid‑2026 or later, and that the board will examine costs and operational readiness before any service changes.