Sonoma County Transit marks addition of 11th zero-emission bus, strengthening regional and fare-free transit

Sonoma County Transit has added its 11th zero-emission bus to its fixed-route fleet, a milestone that supports cleaner air, strengthens regional transit coordination, and enables SCT to provide zero-emission bus service in Healdsburg.

The new electric bus is part of SCT’s long-term transition to a cleaner and more resilient fleet. By 2028, electric vehicles are expected to account for more than half of the agency’s heavy-duty buses, supporting County climate goals while improving service reliability for riders across the region.

In addition to expanding zero-emission service in Healdsburg, the growing electric fleet plays a key role in Sonoma County’s participation in the Marin-Sonoma Coordinated Transit Service Plan, a partnership among nine North Bay transit agencies. As regional service patterns evolve — including upcoming changes to Golden Gate Transit service north of Novato — SCT’s electric buses will help support improved connections with Santa Rosa CityBus, Petaluma Transit, and SMART rail.

The fleet investment aligns with other recent improvements aimed at strengthening regional travel, including upgrades that allow riders to track buses in real time and make more reliable connections across transit systems. County officials say these tools, combined with fare-free local routes and a growing zero-emission fleet, help ensure transit remains accessible, predictable, and well-coordinated throughout Sonoma County.

“By pairing fare-free local service with a growing zero-emission fleet, we’re making it easier for riders to choose a sustainable way to travel around Sonoma County,” said Emily Betts, transit service manager for Sonoma County Transit. “Investing in electric buses reduces emissions while strengthening regional resiliency, ensuring our transit network can continue serving the community during everyday travel and during emergencies.”

SCT operates 19 local and intercity routes and provides door-to-door paratransit service for riders with disabilities who cannot use fixed-route buses. To reduce transportation barriers, all local SCT routes are fare-free for all riders. Youth 18 and under, college students with valid identification, and veterans also ride free on intercity services.

Officials say the addition of the 11th zero-emission bus reflects Sonoma County’s broader commitment to building a transit system that is clean, accessible, and resilient while meeting the needs of both local and regional riders. The bus was purchased with state funding from the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program, the Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project, the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program, the Transportation Development Act, and in partnership with the City of Healdsburg, supporting the expansion of zero-emission transit service in the city.

For routes, schedules, and real-time arrival information, visit sctransit.com or download the Transit App.

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Media Contact:
Matt Brown, County Communications Specialist
publicaffairs@sonomacounty.gov
(707) 565-3040
575 Administration Drive, Suite 104A