Humboldt Transit Authority News
50 Years of Ride Humboldt
July 7, 2025
Celebrating 50 Years of Connection, Resilience, and Serving the Humboldt Community
This year marks 50 years of Ride Humboldt (Humboldt Transit Authority) connecting the wild, beautiful, and strong communities of Humboldt County. From coastal towns to inland forests, from bustling student hubs to quiet rural roads—we’ve been the lifeline that defies distance, challenges traditional modes of transportation, and insists that everyone deserves the freedom to move.
Half a century in, we’re not slowing down. We’re doubling down on access, sustainability, and the belief that public transit is key to a thriving future for Humboldt County.
The Origin Story: Born of Necessity, Built for Connection
Back in 1975, Humboldt County faced a problem. Our region was vast, rugged, and fragmented. People needed to get around, but public transportation was patchwork or nonexistent.
So the County and its municipalities—Eureka, Arcata, Trinidad, Fortuna, Rio Dell—joined forces to create the Humboldt Transit Authority. Their mission was radical in its simplicity: affordable, accessible, reliable transportation for everyone.
From day one, the goal wasn’t just moving people. It was opening up opportunity. Supporting local economies. Connecting families. Making sure living in a remote place didn’t mean being left behind.
Growth & Transformation: From Patchwork to Network
What started with a few fixed routes has evolved into a unified regional system that covers Humboldt County like never before.
- The Redwood Transit System became our backbone along Highway 101.
- We expanded service to Willow Creek, Southern Humboldt, Blue Lake, and more.
- We added commuter routes, paratransit, and direct connections to College of the Redwoods.
- In the past decade, we brought Eureka Transit Service, Arcata & Mad River Transit, and Dial-A-Ride under the Ride Humboldt umbrella.
It wasn’t easy. Along the way, we faced changing regulations, tight budgets, and a global pandemic. We embraced California’s Innovative Clean Transit Rule, committing to a zero-emissions future—even as other rural systems struggled just to survive. We unified our branding and fares to make transit simpler, friendlier, and easier to use.
Through it all, our team kept the buses running. Because that’s what Humboldt needed.
The Present: Access That’s EvolvingLooking back, we’re proud of how far we’ve come and what we’ve refused to give up.
We still put access first. That means connecting the remote corners of our county. Serving seniors and students. Keeping fares low or eliminating them entirely with zero-fare programs.
We’re not just surviving. We’re innovating. We’re going green with alternative fuels like hydrogen. We’re adding real-time apps and planning tools. We’re making it easier than ever to choose the bus.
The Road Ahead: Next 50 Years
We see a future of simpler, faster, more reliable service. We’re growing microtransit to meet people where they are. We’re turning RTS into a true express backbone. And we’re building a fully zero-emission fleet that is leading the way towards green transit for rural communities in America.
But no matter how much we innovate, one thing will never change: the connection between our drivers and our riders. Those daily greetings, shared stories, and knowing you’re welcome on board are a treasured part of our past, present, and our future.
Because 50 years in, Ride Humboldt isn’t just about the destination. It’s about the people we meet along the way.
Thanks for riding with us, Humboldt County. Here’s to the next 50 years of going further together.
Squatch the Fare This Summer: Ride FREE!
Busquatch is Back and He’s Squatching Fares
This summer, Busquatch is on a mission. He’s tired of high gas prices and the idea that you have to own a car to get around Humboldt County. So he’s doing what only a giant, transit-loving legend can do: Squatching the fare.
This summer, riding the bus is easier than ever because it’s FREE!
Here’s the Deal
- Everyone rides free all July: Whether you’re headed to work, the beach, the farmers’ market, or just out exploring Humboldt’s hidden gems, get on board. No wallet needed.
- Youth (17 & under) and Seniors (62+) ride free June 1 – August 31: Summer jobs, trips with friends, grandkid adventures—it’s all easier when the bus is free. You may be asked to show ID.
No passes. No hassle. Just hop on and go.
Where Can You Go for Free?
You can ride any of our fixed route services fare-free!
- Redwood Transit System
- Eureka Transit Service
- Arcata & Mad River Transit System
- Southern Humboldt
- North State Express: 299 (Willow Creek and Blue Lake)
- North State Express: 101 (Eureka to Ukiah)
From coastal towns to redwood forests to city centers—if it’s on our map, you can get there fare-free this summer.
How to Ride Fare-Free
It’s easy! No special tickets. No complicated steps.
- Check your route and schedule at RideHumboldt.org
- Show up at your stop
- Hop on and ride
Ride with Us. Explore More. Spend Less.
This summer, ditch the car. Skip the pump. Save your cash for better things.
Ride Humboldt is here to make sure no one gets left behind. So grab your friends, your grandparents, your kids, or just yourself and see Humboldt County the easy way.
Free Rides for Everyone in July!
June 27, 2025
Free rides all July long for everyone! Celebrating 50 years of Humboldt Transit Authority. Celebrating 50 years of service, community, and connectivity. Here’s to Moving Forward!
We Are Hiring!
June 16, 2025
Humboldt Transit Authority is hiring bus drivers! Full-time – Open until filled. No need to have a Commercial License. We provide the training. Apply today and join our team! Please Visit our website at HTA.org/jobs or visit us in person at 133 V Street, Eureka, CA 95501. https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/hta/jobs/4975919/transit-bus-driver
Summer Free Rides Promotion
May 20, 2025
Humboldt Transit Authority is offering free rides to seniors 62 and over and kids 17 and under starting June 1st, 2025, through August 31st, 2025. Free rides are eligible on all fixed routes: A&MRTS, ETS, NSE 101, NSE 299, RTS and SoHum. You may be asked to show your ID.
Now Hiring: Equipment Mechanic
April 25, 2025
Job Status: Full-Time | Union (AFSCME) Pay Range: $28.64 – $34.81/hour
Shifts: Assigned by seniority; may include evenings, weekends, and holidays Safety-Sensitive Role: Subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing. For job description, explanation of benefits and employment application please see links below. https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/hta
http://hta.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2025.-Equipment-Mechanic-Job-Description.pdf
http://hta.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/HTA-Benefits.pdf
http://hta.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Final-HTA-employment-application.pdf
New Dial-A-Ride Application
March 21, 2025
NEW APPLICATION PROCESS FOR DIAL-A-RIDE ADA PARATRANSIT SERVICE
Effective May 1, 2025, we’re transitioning to a new Dial-a-Ride ADA Paratransit Service application process. If you or someone you know requires paratransit services, please take note of these important updates: New Eligibility Categories, Healthcare Professional Verification Required, Possible Interview or Assessment and Confidentiality and Privacy Protection. How to Apply: Visit our office at 133 V Street, Eureka, CA 95501. Call 707-443-0826 ext. 104 for more information. Visit www.hta.org for details and the application form. Fax applications to 707-443-2032.
🗓️ Deadline: May 1, 2025 – All new applications after this date must follow the updated process.
Willow Creek Route Name Change
March 3, 2025
The Willow Creek Route is being renamed to North State Express 299. This is just a rename of the route. There are no changes to the route and schedule. Why change the name? HTA is leading the development of a coordinated North State intercity system called the North State Express. HTA is petitioning the state for funding for operators across the North State who are participating.
Service Animal Policy
January 6, 2025
SERVICE ANIMALS
- Service animals are permitted to ride on buses. Service animals are specially trained animals that assist persons with disabilities.
- Service animals must be within the care, custody, and control of their owners. This means that the animal is housebroken, not roaming the coach, barking or growling.
PETS
- All non-service pets, including those whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support, must travel in a secure, enclosed carrier specifically manufactured for transporting pets. Enclosed carriers must never occupy a seat. Enclosed carriers must fit under a seat or remain on handler’s lap.
All service animals or pets that display seriously disruptive behavior that represents a direct threat to the health or safety of drivers or other riders or are otherwise not under the rider’s control will not be allowed to ride transit.
EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 2024
ALL DOGS MUST BE LICENSED AND VACCINATED BEFORE RIDING TRANSIT
The State of California Health and Safety Code Section 121690(a) and County Ordinance Section 541-32(a), dogs shall be vaccinated for rabies and licensed at the age of 4 months or 10 days after the arrival of the dog in the unincorporated areas of Humboldt County. It makes no difference whether the dog is an indoor dog, never gets out of the yard or house, or the dog’s home is in the county. All dogs must be licensed in the incorporated city or county in which they live. Licenses are due yearly on the anniversary date of the rabies vaccination. Prior to the expiration date of the license, courtesy renewal notices are sent on each dog. *Please note that after August 1, 2024, if your dog is not licensed with tags, your dog will not be able to ride.
