Elk Grove to pilot seniors‑ride‑free program with regional transit, capped at $100,000

The Elk Grove City Council authorized a pilot program on March 25 that will let city residents age 62 and older ride free on Elk Grove fixed‑route Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) buses, reimbursed by the city to SacRT for up to $100,000.

Transportation planning program manager Kaylee Lyons said the pilot is designed to improve mobility for seniors and to encourage transit use. Under the proposal, Elk Grove residents 62 or older may present a government‑issued ID to the bus operator or, later, a city‑issued senior transit card to board free on Elk Grove routes only; light rail, paratransit and other regional services are not included in this pilot. Staff estimated the pilot cost at roughly $100,000 and proposed running it through June 2027 or until funds are exhausted, with at least one month’s notice to seniors if the program ends early.

Anthony Adams of SacRT described the data‑collection approach: bus operators will press a designated button to record senior boardings so the city and SacRT can track whether senior ridership increases during the pilot and evaluate expansion options. Lyons said cards will be available at City Hall and District 56 within weeks, with a launch targeted for March 30.

Councilmembers praised the proposal, noting Measure E funds have enabled mobility initiatives and that a modest fare reduction can meaningfully improve independence for low‑income seniors. The council voted to authorize the city manager to execute the agreement with SacRT up to $100,000.

Next steps: Outreach and marketing to seniors will begin immediately, the city will issue verification cards at City Hall and District 56, and staff will monitor ridership and budget consumption; staff will return with any recommended changes or expansion plans.