Project Overview
METRO is working on the Rapid Corridors Improvements Project to make the bus easier, faster, and safer to use between the cities of Watsonville and Santa Cruz.
The project will help identify and install approximately 25 miles of improvements along Routes 1 and 2 including on Freedom Boulevard, Soquel Avenue, Main Street, and Capitola Road. The project includes numerous transit and pedestrian safety enhancements to improve travel for everyone, no matter how they prefer to get around.
Share Your Feedback: METRO Rapid Corridors Improvements Project
What We’ve Heard From You
Since 2022, the project team has worked with community members to determine which barriers impact the public the most. These challenges include:
- Uncomfortable bus stops: Many bus stops lack shelter, seating, lighting, and bus arrival information, leaving riders exposed and guessing when their next bus will arrive.
- Slow and unpredictable service: Buses typically spend as much time stuck in traffic as they do in motion.
- Gaps in safe access: Many stops are located far from crosswalks, and existing layouts create conflicts between buses, bicycles, and pedestrians.
What This Means
- Up to 30 minutes lost per trip due to traffic
- 20–30 minutes per trip spent at stops
- Travel times that can be twice as long as driving
- Buses are stopped for 50% of the ride
How This Project Will Benefit You?
Because of these impacts, the Rapid Corridors Project is being designed to benefit community members through:
- Faster Trips: Travel times are expected to improve by 40%, reducing total trip time by 18–28 minutes depending on direction.
- Upgraded Stops: 100 bus stops will be enhanced with shelters, seating, lighting, and real-time arrival information.
- Expanded Access: Approximately 100,000 residents will have more convenient access to a high-quality transit stop.
Key Project Improvements
To achieve these benefits, the project includes improvements across three focus areas:
Amenities and Comfort
- More comfortable bus shelters with seating, lighting, and weather protection
- Real-time bus arrival information
Speed and Reliability
- Bus bulbs and transit islands to reduce delays
- Transit signal priority to help buses move through intersections
- Queue jump lanes to give buses a headstart at signals
Access and Safety
- Safer pedestrian crossings
- ADA accessibility upgrades
- Bus stop consolidation and relocation with the goal of bringing every bus stop with 100’ of a crosswalk
Project Timeline
This project is currently in the final design phase. Construction is anticipated to take place between Fall 2027 and Summer 2029. Construction schedules are subject to change.
How to Stay Informed
METRO is committed to keeping the community informed throughout the life of the project. Check back regularly for updates, including opportunities to learn more and connect with the project team.
Contact Us
If you have questions or comments, please contact the project team:
- Phone: 831-420-2549
Project Resources
Fact Sheets
Transit Signal Priority (Eng/Span)
Bus Bulbs & Transit Islands (Eng/Span)
Relocations & Consolidation of Rapid Bus Stops (Eng/Span)
Pedestrian Crossings (Eng/Span)
Downtown Santa Cruz Front Street & River Street Transit Lane (Eng/Span)
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