SMART Customizing Routes for San Joaquin Commuters with New Services

By Hacienda Network Staff Writer

In an effort to improve service to Hacienda, SMART is seeking input on routes from potential riders.

The transit agency - which will soon go by a more formal moniker, the San Joaquin Regional Transit District - currently offers bus service within Hacienda and to the East Dublin/Pleasanton BART station, as well as an innovative vanpool service.

The SRJTD is particularly interested in improving its Hacienda route, which leaves Stockton at 5:32 am and stops in Manteca and Tracy enroute to the park.

Currently, it makes two stops in Hacienda: one at CarrAmerica Corporate Center (Rosewood and Owens drives) and a second at Willow Road and Gibraltar Drive North at 7:02 and 7:05 am respectively. More stops could be added, however.

"If a group of employees would like to ride the bus but their site isn't currently serviced, I would encourage them to call me," says SJRTD's Jean Foletta.

Take My Vanpool, Please

The district is also offering an opportunity to participate in an unusual vanpool program.

While most vanpool programs require the driver to lease a vehicle, SJRTD owns their vans. Riders simply pay fares to cover gas and expenses.

The vans provide high-back captain's chairs to all 11 on board, offering a comfortable ride. A driver is needed for each van along with one or two back-up drivers. Training is provided at no cost.

The only restriction on the vanpools is that they must operate at different times than the buses, due to requirements in the program's funding.

Call Foletta at (888) 80-2-WORK for reservations and more details.

And My Bus, Too

SJRTD offers two other buses into Hacienda each day. The first bus leaves Stockton at 4:41 am, stopping in Lathrop and Tracy and arriving at 6:13 am at BART. A second bus follows the same route, leaving Stockton at 5:18 am and arriving at 6:49 am. The buses return from BART at 5:30 and 6:30 pm, arriving in Stockton at 7:00 and 7:59 pm respectively.

All of the buses operate on a subscription basis, which means that seats must be reserved in advance. Foletta may also be queried about the vanpool program at the above number.

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