Public Transportation
Arcata & Mad River Transit System
Arcata & Mad River Transit System (A&MRTS) provides public transportation within the City of Arcata. There are two fixed routes that operate between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, while HSU is in session. During the summer (mid May through mid August) and winter breaks (mid December through mid January) the buses run from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. weekdays. The Gold Route services the downtown area, Northtown, HSU, Mad River Hospital and Valley West. The Red Route services the downtown area, Greenview Market, HSU, Union Street and Sunny Brae. The Saturday bus operates from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Eighty percent of A&MRTS funding comes from the Transportation Development Act (TDA). The additional twenty percent must come from passenger fares in order to qualify for the maximum TDA allotment. A&MRTS does not utilize general fund monies to operate.
Dial-A-Ride
Dial-A-Ride and Dial-A-Lift programs provide door-to-door service for individuals with special needs who cannot utilize regular public transportation. The City, through Humboldt Transit Authority, contracts with the City Cab Company to provide Dial-A-Ride/Lift services within the city limits of Arcata. Service is available between the hours of 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM, Monday through Friday. This service is also available on Saturdays between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Dial-A-Ride service requires a 24-hour advance notification.
Greyhound Services
In March 1997, the City signed a contract with Greyhound Lines, Inc. to become one of its agencies. The main purpose of this activity is to provide Arcata residents with the ability to purchase tickets, send and receive packages locally. The City earns 12.5% commission on all Greyhound sales.