Get to know Waco Transit! Services At-A-Glance
by Jessica Maxwell
Did you know Waco Transit System provides more than just city bus service to the citizens of Waco and surrounding areas? Scroll through the list below to see all the services offered by your local transportation system – give transit a try!
Fixed Route (City Buses)
Waco Transit System has nine fixed bus routes, which service Waco and surrounding communities. Fare for a single, one-way ride is $1.50. A day pass can be purchased for $3.00 and is good for unlimited fixed route rides for the duration of the calendar day, during normal operating hours. All fixed route buses can be tracked at ridewaco.com or by downloading the free Ride Systems app. For a route map and additional fare info, visit wacotransitsystem.com.
- Weekday Service Hours: 5:15 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.
- Saturday Service Hours: 6:15 a.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Contact: (254) 750-1613
Funding Sources: Federal 5307 Grant Funding, fares, charter fares, TxDOT State Urban Funding and local match revenue, including advertising and contract revenue
Silo District Trolley
The free Silo District Trolley is designed to make getting around Downtown Waco fast and convenient. The trolley’s route makes it easy to get to Waco’s most popular shopping, dining and art venues in the downtown area, including Magnolia Market. Track the trolley at silotrolley.com or download the free Ride Systems app. The trolley runs Monday through Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Funding Source: City of Waco
LaSalle-Circle Shuttle
The LaSalle-Circle Shuttle is a free shuttle that connects Downtown Waco to shops, museums, eateries (including Magnolia Table) and more along LaSalle Avenue. Track the shuttle at silotrolley.com or download the free Ride Systems app. The shuttle runs Monday through Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Funding Source: City of Waco
Baylor University Shuttle (B.U.S.)
The Baylor University Shuttle (B.U.S.) is operated by Waco Transit System and serves as the fixed route transportation system for Baylor University. Students and visitors are encouraged to ride the B.U.S., which not only helps reduces vehicular traffic and parking congestion on campus, but also increases access to campus activities. B.U.S. service is available to riders at no charge. Track the B.U.S at bushuttle.com or download the free Ride Systems app. For a route map and operating schedule, visit baylor.edu.
Funding Source: Baylor University
Demand Response Service (DRS)
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Waco Transit System provides door-to-door service for individuals who are physically or mentally unable to use the fixed route system. Specific qualifying criteria must be met. To learn more about the application process or to schedule a ride, call (254) 750-1620.
Funding Source: Partial Federal 5307 Funding, DRS fares, Federal 5310 Grants (for elderly & disabled trips) and Medicaid
McLennan County Rural Transit District
The McLennan County Rural Transit District aims to increase ridership throughout the county and improve access to jobs, education, healthcare and more. Destinations include anywhere in McLennan or adjacent counties, as long as one of your stops originates from or travels to a rural address. Trips can be arranged by calling Waco Transit System at least 24 hours in advance. Fare for one-way, in-county trips is $3.00, and fare for one-way, adjacent-county trips is $5.00. Fees also apply for guests. For more information or to book a trip, call (254) 750-1620.
Funding Source: Federal 5311 Grant, TxDOT State Rural Grant, Federal 5311 Mileage funds, Federal 5310 Grant (for elderly & Disabled), fares, local match including Medicaid, advertising, and scheduling revenues
Waco Regional Airport Shuttle
If you need transportation to and/or from the Waco Regional Airport, Waco Transit System can help. Trips are based upon availability and can be arranged by calling Waco Transit System at least 24 hours in advance at (254) 750-1620 or 877-875-RIDE (7433). Ride anywhere within McLennan County for only $3.00 each way and $5.00 each way for trips to adjacent counties. Fees also apply for guests.
- Weekday Service Hours: 5:15 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. to 11:45 p.m.
- Saturday Service Hours: 6: 15 a.m. to 8: 15 p.m. and 8: 30 p.m. to 11:45 p.m.
Funding Source: Partial Federal 5307 Funding, fares and Federal 5310 Grants (for elderly & disabled trips)
Evening LINK
Evening LINK is a shared ride, door-to-door employment and training transportation service available to anyone who works or attends training and lives in the Greater Waco Area. Service is available from 8:30 p.m. to 11:45 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Ride anywhere within the Waco urbanized area for $3.00 each way. Fees also apply for guests. Call (254) 750-1620 for reservations. Please call at least 24 hours in advance to ensure availability.
Funding Source (through August 31, 2018): Rural Discretionary grant funds awarded from TxDOT through 2016 Coordinated Call for Projects, fares, local match in both in-kind and cash contributions from numerous organizations and businesses
Marlin LINK (Route #10)
Waco Transit System’s Route #10 services Robinson, Riesel, Marlin, Chilton and Golinda. The service connects riders to the Waco Transit System transfer station, as well as to Greyhound. For a route map and fare info, visit wacotransitsystem.com.
Weekday Service Hours: 5:50 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
No Saturday Service
Funding Source (through August 31, 2018): Rural Discretionary grant funds awarded from TxDOT through 2016 Coordinated Call for Projects, fares, local match in both in-kind and cash contributions from numerous organizations and businesses
Sanderson Farms LINK
Do you need transportation to and/or from Sanderson Farms for work? Waco Transit System offers a shuttle to and from the Waco Transit terminal and Sanderson Farms. Sanderson Farms employees can contact the Sanderson Farms Human Resources Department to learn more about signing up to receive a monthly bus pass for this route.
Weekday Service Hours: 7:15 a.m. to 5:10 p.m.
No Saturday Service
Funding Source (through August 31, 2018): Rural Discretionary grant funds awarded from TxDOT through 2016 Coordinated Call for Projects, fares, local match in both in-kind and cash contributions from numerous organizations and businesses
Safe Ride Home Program on New Year’s Eve
Waco Transit System’s “Safe Ride Home” program provides free shared ride shuttle service within the Waco urbanized area on New Year’s Eve, usually between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. Advance reservations are preferred. Same-day requests are based upon availability. Call (254) 750-1620 beginning December 1 to book your free trip and/or determine coverage area.
Funding Source: Waco Transit System and community sponsors
Travel Training
Because we recognize that riding a city bus for the first time (and navigating the routes/time points) can indeed be intimidating, Waco Transit System offers free travel training upon request. Call (254) 750-1900 for more information or to schedule an appointment. An informative “How to Ride the Bus” video series and list of FAQ is also located on the Waco Transit System website at wacotransitsystem.com.
GPS Bus Tracking (Ride Systems):
Track any Waco Transit System fixed route at ridewaco.com or by downloading the free Ride Systems app on your smartphone and selecting “Waco Transit” as your agency.
Funding Source: Federal 5307 Grant Funding, fares, charter fares, TxDOT State Urban Funding, and local match revenue including advertising, Medicaid, scheduling revenue and contract revenue
Jessica Maxwell is the Director of Marketing for Waco Transit System. She graduated from Northern Illinois University with a BA in Journalism and Communication Studies. Originally from Illinois, she moved to Texas with her husband in 2013, and they have been happily settled in Waco ever since. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and experiencing all the great outdoors has to offer. You can reach Jessica at [email protected].
The Act Locally Waco blog publishes posts with a connection to these aspirations for Waco. If you are interested in writing for the Act Locally Waco Blog, please email [email protected] for more information.