The shutdown of the line, which traveled between the two University of California campuses daily, was prompted by low ridership
By ROBIN FRANKLIN — campus@theaggie.org
The Davis-Berkeley shuttle, a popular option for those looking to travel between the UC Davis and UC Berkeley campuses, ended operation on Sept. 2 due to declining ridership. The decision leaves students at both campuses now looking for other options to travel between the two universities.
An announcement by UC Davis Fleet Services explained that the service was regularly operating below capacity and running at a financial deficit. The cost of maintenance and fuel for the buses, combined with a post-pandemic decline in use, were listed as main causes of these conditions.
By the time it ended service, the shuttle ran daily between the two campuses for a $15 one-way fare.
In an email to The California Aggie, Director of UC Davis Fleet Services Michelle Simmer said that an average of 850 tickets were sold monthly, with the line operating at just 52% capacity overall. She also notes that the fare of a one-way ticket on the shuttle was comparable to the cost of an Amtrak ticket to the Bay Area.
The service’s end has proved an inconvenience for Berkeley and Davis students alike, who previously used the service to visit family and friends.
Daphne Boyd, a fourth-year cognitive science major, shared that she and her friends used the shuttle service often.
“I used the shuttle [in] spring quarter [2025] with a few friends to visit some people at UC Berkeley for a night,” Boyd wrote in a text message. “I only knew to use it because our friend and her boyfriend used to take it every weekend to visit each other. He graduated in the spring but we’re all still disappointed, it was always a fun option to have.”
Remaining alternative public transit options include Greyhound buses and Amtrak mixed train and bus services. However, as of time of publication, there is no public transit option to travel directly between the two campuses.
Jacob Klein, a fourth-year political science major, also expressed his disappointment about the discontinuation of the shuttle line.
“It’s definitely unfortunate because, without sufficient mass transit options, people are more encouraged to drive,” Klein wrote in an Instagram direct message. “But I’m grateful that we still have Amtrak which does offer student discounts.”
Aside from transporting students, the shuttle was used by university departments for mail delivery and book transfers, as well as event tours.
Rayna Prasad, a fourth-year community and regional development major, pointed out the loss of potential career opportunities for students because of the route’s end.
“One of my housemates used it to go back home [and] another friend considered using it to get to her internship,” Prasad said. “I had no idea [of the end of shuttle service]. It’s very unfortunate.”
Written by: Robin Franklin — campus@theaggie.org
