What are shuttles?
The Bay Area has two types of shuttles. "Last-mile" shuttles take riders from BART, Caltrain and other rail stations to nearby employers, colleges/universities and shopping districts. "Community" shuttles take local residents from their homes to senior centers, K-12 schools, shopping areas and medical services within their city.

Who can help me start a new shuttle?
For free assistance, phone Bruce Riordan at (510) 655-0939 or e-mail bruce@elmwoodconsulting.com. We will help you figure out if a shuttle can work for your business, city or school. We will provide information on costs, vendors and other questions, help you to evaluate your shuttle potential, link you with experienced shuttle operators and refer you (if needed) to shuttle consultants.

Is there a shuttle for my commute?
There are more than 50 shuttle programs in the Bay Area who operate 150+ shuttle routes to jobs, schools, shopping districts and residential areas. Shuttles operate in nearly every Bay Area county. To find a shuttle near you click on
http://transit.511.org/providers/index.asp?#shuttlerail

Who pays for shuttles?
Most shuttles are funded through public/private partnerships. Typical funders include the Air District, local governments, transit agencies and the sponsoring/operating organization. For many shuttles, the sponsoring employer or school pays just 25% of operating costs with the Air District, local transit agencies and local governments kicking in the other 75%.

What do shuttles cost to operate?
Shuttle costs vary, but typical operating costs are $50-$60 per hour which includes the vehicle, driver, insurance, maintenance and fuel. Most shuttles are contracted out to one of the Bay Area's 10+ shuttle vendors. You will also need some resources for marketing and for supervising the shuttle vendor.

Are shuttles free?
Nearly all shuttles in the Bay Area are free. You just jump on them and go!

Are shuttle open to the public?
Most shuttles are open to the general public. There are a few 100% privately funded shuttles that are only for a sponsoring company's employees.

How do shuttles work with public transit?
Shuttles are designed to complement local bus service by offering fast, point-to-point service from rail stations to nearby employers, schools, etc. Since 60% or more of shuttle riders are ex-solo drivers, shuttles are bringing new fare-paying passengers to BART, Caltrain, ACE and Capitol Corridor train services.