Proposed South County Operations & Maintenance Facility

 

 

 

 

Project Purpose & Need

Santa Cruz METRO is exploring a new Operations and Maintenance (O&M) facility in South County to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance transit service. Currently, buses must travel long distances to existing facilities, leading to higher fuel costs, emissions, and service delays.

 

Why South County?

 

Many transit routes originate in Watsonville and South County, yet there’s no local facility to support operations. A local O&M facility would allow for quicker bus deployment, better service reliability, and cost savings. Reducing unnecessary bus travel means lower emissions and a more sustainable transit system.

 

Project Search Area

 

 

Project Objectives

 

• Optimize Efficiency and Service Quality
• Accommodate expanded Bus Fleet
• Enhance Bus Fleet Resiliency and Flexibility

 

What is an O&M Facility?

 

• Bus storage to keep vehicles secure overnight
• Maintenance & repairs to ensure reliable service
• Fueling infrastructure where buses refuel after service
• Operator & staff support spaces for efficient agency operations

 

 

Community Benefits

What Would Make a Good Site?

 

• Central location near key bus routes to minimize out-of-service travel time
• Enough space for bus storage, maintenance, and staff facilities
• Easy access to local roadways
• Location that will minimize impacts on nearby homes and businesses

 

 

A new O&M facility could bring:

• Job Creation – New transit-related employment opportunities
• Improved Transit Service – More reliable and efficient bus operations
• Climate-Resilient Infrastructure – A state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance service reliability and sustainability for METRO riders
• Cleaner Air & Less Pollution – Reduced bus travel distances lead to improved air quality and lower emissions for Santa Cruz County residents

 

 

Project Timeline

Fall-Winter 2024: Needs assessment

 

Spring 2025: Public involvement

 

Summer 2025: Analyze sites

 

Fall 2025: Draft plan

 

 

We want your input!

Santa Cruz METRO is gathering community feedback on:

 

• New Facility Benefits - What benefits matter most to you?
• Potential Impacts & Concerns – What concerns or questions do you have about the new facility?
• Additional Input – Are there any other ideas or considerations you’d like us to take into account?

 

To share your feedback please take our Community Survey by July 10th.

 

Your voice is essential in shaping a project that truly supports South County’s transit future, check out our website to learn more.