Petaluma Transit Website Still Lists Fare-Free Local Bus and Paratransit Service

PETALUMA CENTER, Sonoma County — Petaluma Transit continues to display a fare-free policy for local fixed-route buses and paratransit on its official fares webpage, giving residents a way to travel around central Petaluma without buying a bus ticket.

The agency says fare collection ended July 1, 2024, originally as a pilot intended to increase ridership and reduce barriers for people with lower incomes or disabilities. Its current public page states that riders can board buses without a fare and that paratransit is also fare-free. However, an older pilot description remains on the page; riders should verify the latest fare and service policy before planning a trip many months ahead.

For downtown passengers, the Petaluma Transit Mall provides connections with regional services and the SMART rail corridor. Local bus routes, paratransit eligibility and accessible boarding requirements differ, and a zero fare does not guarantee that a bus runs at a specific time.

What residents should know

The agency asks groups of ten or more traveling together to call 48 hours ahead to help dispatchers prepare. Check current routes, temporary stop changes and the current fare notice directly with Petaluma Transit.

Primary source: Official agency information.

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