The cities of Santa Maria and Guadalupe are exploring a proposal to consolidate their public transit systems to improve efficiency and streamline operations.

Given the strong connection between the two communities and the reliance of residents on both transit agencies for daily needs, consolidation may provide operational and rider experience improvements.

Santa Maria Regional Transit (SMRT) and Guadalupe Flyer operate separately, serving overlapping communities with duplicative administrative processes and resources.

Guadalupe’s recent challenges, including increased regulatory demands and administrative burdens, have prompted discussions on integrating transit services under SMRT’s management.

Staff will coordinate meetings, exploring the idea of a consolidation including benefits and challenges for both cities, if SMRT assumed the administrative responsibility of Guadalupe’s transit routes.

Should consolidation ultimately be recommended, a public participation process would be initiated before making a recommendation to the city councils.

Benefits highlighted for the move include centralized operations; shared fleet, staff and funding; improved compliance; and enhanced rider experience.

Guadalupe residents would gain SMRT’s new modernized electric fleet and third-party programs, such as free riders for community college students.

Exploratory discussions will proceed with the recent approval from both City Councils. There also is support from the county of Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments.

Direct questions to SMRT Transit Services manager, 805-925-0951 ext. 2480 or email smrtcomments@cityofsantamaria.org.