RCTA is considering service and fare changes to address rising operating costs and ongoing funding challenges.
Why are changes being considered?
RCTA is facing an ongoing budget shortfall as the costs of providing transit service, including labor, insurance, and fuel, continue to rise.
RCTA has already identified approximately $70,000 in annual administrative savings. However, an estimated $130,000 annual funding gap remains.
To help address the shortfall while maintaining essential transportation, the RCTA Board will consider a range of possible service and fare changes.
What changes are being considered?
The options under consideration include changes to Crescent City local routes, Routes 20 and 199, fares and the Free Ride Program.
Crescent City Local Routes
Possible changes include:
- Reducing Saturday and holiday service hours on Routes 2 and 4
- Eliminating select evening trips on Routes 1, 3 and/or 4
- Reducing or eliminating Saturday local fixed-route service
No specific option has been selected.
Route 199 — Hiouchi & Gasquet
RCTA eliminated the additional summer midday trip on Route 199, effective May 2026, and is evaluating additional possible schedule changes.
Options include reducing the number of days Route 199 operates each week. Some options would provide two or three trips on each operating day, including a midday trip, but operate only two or three days per week.
No additional Route 199 schedule change has been selected.
Route 20 — Smith River to Eureka
RCTA is evaluating the possibility of discontinuing Saturday service on Route 20.
No Route 20 service change has been selected.
Possible Fare Changes
The Board may also consider a modest fare increase.
Potential changes being evaluated include:
- Local adult cash fare: $1.50 → $1.75
- Routes 20 and 199: increase of $0.50–$1.00 per zone
- ADA Dial-A-Ride: increase of $0.25 per ride
- General public Dial-A-Ride: increase of $1.00 per ride
Free Ride Program
RCTA’s Free Ride Program is supported by state funding that is expected to decline significantly.
One option under consideration is to begin reducing the program by excluding regional Routes 20 and 199 from free-fare eligibility while continuing free rides on local routes for eligible riders.
Additional changes to Free Ride Program eligibility may be necessary in the future, depending on available funding.
Your Input Matters
RCTA Board of Directors Meeting
Monday, August 31, 2026
5:30 p.m.
County Administration Building
Board of Supervisors Hearing Room
981 H Street
Crescent City
The RCTA Board will discuss the potential service and fare changes and hear from the public.
Members of the public may submit comments in advance or speak during the meeting.
Can’t Attend? Share Feedback in Advance
Phone: 707-308-7433
Online: Submit Feedback
Please submit comments by Sunday, Aug. 30 to ensure they are received before the meeting.
When providing feedback, riders are encouraged to share which routes or trips they use and how a potential change could affect their transportation needs.
What Happens Next?
August 31
The Board discusses the potential changes and hears public comments.
September
The Board is expected to consider potential changes at a future meeting. Meeting information will be posted when available.
Before Any Changes Take Effect
RCTA will notify riders of any approved changes and when they would begin.