Public transportation plays an important role in how our community moves, connects and grows. Whether our residents rely on transit every day or simply use it occasionally to get to work, school or city events, Santa Clarita Transit is a vital service that supports accessibility, mobility and quality of life. As Santa Clarita continues to evolve, we are committed to making transit even more affordable for riders while also investing in forward-looking solutions that strengthen reliability and long-term resilience. Two important developments highlight this significant commitment: the introduction of Fare Capping for Santa Clarita Transit riders, as well as our continued progress toward hydrogen-powered transit technology.

Affordability is one of the most common concerns residents share when it comes to public transportation. For many riders, transit is not only a convenience, but a necessity. That is why Santa Clarita Transit has launched Fare Capping, a rider-friendly initiative that ensures passengers never pay more than the cost of a daily or monthly pass, no matter how often they ride. Fare Capping works automatically. Riders pay their regular fee when boarding any local transit vehicle, but once they reach the equivalent cost of a one-day or seven-day pass, additional rides during that period are free! There is no need to plan ahead, pre-purchase passes or worry about whether you chose the “correct” option. The system simply caps your fare at the lowest possible cost.

This approach removes a financial barrier for frequent riders, including working families, students, seniors and individuals who depend on local transit as their primary mode of transportation. It also benefits occasional riders who may not know in advance how many trips they will take in a day or month. Fare Capping brings predictability and fairness to transit costs. Pay for what you use, but never more than necessary. Transit should be easy to understand and affordable for everyone who relies on it, and this change helps ensure Santa Clarita Transit continues to meet that standard.

While affordability is critical, reliability and long-term planning are just as important. Santa Clarita has taken meaningful steps toward incorporating hydrogen-powered buses into our transit fleet, an investment that supports operational resilience, energy security and future readiness. Hydrogen technology offers a compelling option for transit systems. Hydrogen fuel cell buses provide the range and refueling time necessary to meet the demands of fixed-route service, while supporting quieter operation and zero tailpipe emissions. Just as importantly, hydrogen presents an opportunity to diversify our energy sources and strengthen the reliability of transit operations.

For a city like Santa Clarita, where dependable service is essential for commuters and regional connections, this matters. Even as technology evolves, transit vehicles must be able to operate consistently throughout the day without long interruptions. Hydrogen allows us to explore solutions that meet those real-world operational needs while positioning our city to adapt to future transportation demands. This is not about rushing change, but about planning wisely. By piloting new technologies and building partnerships, Santa Clarita Transit is ensuring that future investments are grounded in performance, safety and long-term value for residents.

Fare Capping and hydrogen transit may seem like very different initiatives, but together they represent a balanced approach to transportation planning. One focuses on immediate affordability for riders, while the other looks ahead to the systems and infrastructure that will keep transit reliable for decades to come. Santa Clarita Transit serves thousands of riders each day, and every decision we make is guided by their experience—how easy it is to use the system, how dependable it is and how well it supports their daily lives. Whether that means simplifying fares or investing in advanced vehicle technology, our goal remains the same: to deliver a transit system that works for Santa Clarita.

As these initiatives move forward, Santa Clarita Transit will continue to focus on rider needs, thoughtful innovation and responsible planning. By balancing affordability with long-term reliability, we are ensuring our transit system remains a dependable, accessible option that supports daily life and keeps our community connected. Together, we are making transit more affordable today and more resilient for the future.

For more information, please visit SantaClaritaTransit.com.

Councilwoman Marsha McLean is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at mmclean@santaclarita.gov.