Santa Maria Regional Transit (SMRT) has announced the start of an express commuter bus route, Route 210, connecting the Crossroads Shopping Center in Santa Maria directly to the Downtown SLO Transit Center in San Luis Obispo.

The new service that began Tuesday, Sept. 15, offers an additional travel option for daily commuters.

Route 210 has eight trips weekday mornings and afternoons, aiming to make commuting easier, reduce parking challenges, and provide affordable travel options for those commuting for work, school, or other appointments in downtown San Luis Obispo, according to SMRT.

The new route was developed through a collaborative partnership with the city of San Luis Obispo and the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG).

“The collaboration with our partners has been instrumental in making this supplemental service a reality,” said Gamaliel Anguiano, transit services manager.

“We believe this new route will be a valuable addition of available transportation options for people who live in Santa Maria and commute to SLO on a daily basis to save on cost and make other use their commute time,” Anguiano said.

SMRT will offer a free ride trial period for Route 210 through Friday, Sept. 26. At the end of the free ride promotion, regular cash fares will be $2 each way, $3 for an Unlimited Ride All-Day Pass, or $31 for a 31-day Unlimited Ride Monthly Pass.

SLO RTA Regional passes will also be accepted on this route.

For more about SMRT and the new route, including the full schedule and specific stop locations, visit www.rideSMRT.org.