Trying to catch the bus? Watch out for these changes to Unitrans service
New routes and stop adjustments aim to improve comfort and transit coverage
By MICHELLE BEKHTEL— campus@theaggie.org
As UC Davis students return to campus this fall, Unitrans has introduced several route and schedule changes intended to make commuting faster and more comfortable. The updates, which took effect Aug. 3 during Summer Session 2, include the new R line, extended service on existing routes, discontinued segments and multiple new bus stops across North and Central Davis.
The changes follow recommendations from the City of Davis and the Unitrans Short Range Transit Plan, which aims to improve efficiency and better match student travel patterns.
Jeff Flynn, general manager of Unitrans, said the adjustments were designed to expand Unitrans coverage and improve travel times for students in high-traffic areas.
“The implemented changes expand bus service coverage and access in North Davis, provide a more direct, faster connection to campus for Alvarado Avenue residents east of Anderson Road and are designed to better distribute ridership so less MU Terminal customers experience overcrowded buses and have a more comfortable trip,” Flynn said.
Among the most prominent updates is the introduction of the R line, a new route serving Anderson Road and the stretch of Alvarado Avenue to its east, ending at the Memorial Union (MU) Terminal. The R line will offer a more direct connection to campus for East Davis residents and effectively takes over the weekday role once taken by the G line. The latter will now run only during summer night service, weekends, holidays and break service rather than on a regular weekday schedule.
The R line operates every 60 minutes on summer weekdays and every 30 minutes during academic year weekdays.
The B line has been extended north on Sycamore Lane to the North Sycamore Loop, while its service on Drake Drive and Apple Lane has been discontinued. A new stop was added on Sycamore Lane, northbound between Kent and Drake drives.
The F line now travels along Catalina Drive, replacing its former route on Alvarado Avenue. New stops have been added at Catalina Drive and Anza Avenue, Grande Avenue and Anderson Road.
Other updates include minor timepoint adjustments on the A, E, K, M, O, T, U, V, VL and Z lines, and a 10-minute delay for the first inbound morning trips on the J and W lines.
While a few stops were removed, new ones were added nearby to maintain accessibility.
“The changes resulted in four bus stops being discontinued, but we added five bus stops to make up for the change,” Flynn said. “Most impacted riders are either across the street from their new stop or less than a half block.”
For example, Flynn says riders living near Alvarado Avenue east of Anderson Road will see shorter, more direct rides on the new R line. Those commuting from Almondwood Apartments can expect a less crowded trip using the extended B line, while riders at La Salle Apartments will find a new R line stop diagonally across from the old one.
Although the routes themselves have changed, Flynn said the frequency of service remains consistent.
“There are no changes in frequencies,” Flynn said. “We hope customers experience a more comfortable and timely ride through the changes.”
The B, F and R lines continue to operate every 30 minutes during the academic year and the J line every 20 minutes.
Unitrans typically performs service changes once per year during Summer Session 2, meaning no additional adjustments are expected for the 2026-27 academic year.
Riders can find updated schedules and maps on the Unitrans website or contact the agency at 530-752-2877 for more information.
Written by: Michelle Bekhtel — campus@theaggie.org