REDDING, Calif. — The San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority and Redding Area Bus Authority have launched Route 5, a new express bus service connecting Redding to Sacramento along Interstate 5.
The route offers two daily round trips, with stops in Redding, Red Bluff, Orland, Williams, Sacramento International Airport and Downtown Sacramento at Sacramento Valley Station.
Route 5 provides a faster, more direct alternative to the existing Route 3 service along State Route 99. It also gives North State residents connections to Sacramento International Airport, Gold Runner and Capitol Corridor trains, Sacramento Regional Transit, local transit in Redding and Red Bluff, and Glenn Ride service to Chico through the Orland stop.
Passengers can purchase bus-only tickets for cities along the route, meaning they do not need to connect to a train to use the service.
“Route 5 delivers on a long-standing goal of connecting the North State to the Sacramento region,” SJJPA CEO Chris Orlando said. “This service gives North State residents a direct, reliable connection to Sacramento and the broader passenger rail network.”
RABA Interim Transit Manager Zachary Bonnin said the service is the result of years of collaboration and will expand access to jobs, education, healthcare and travel opportunities.
The launch follows a multi-year effort dating back to 2017, when the Shasta Regional Transportation Agency and SJJPA began developing plans for an I-5 express bus as part of the North State Intercity Bus System.
A community ribbon-cutting is scheduled for Aug. 24 at 8:15 a.m. at 1530 Yuba Street in Redding. The event will include remarks from local and transportation officials, a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, and an opportunity to tour the new motorcoach.
For tickets, schedules, and booking information for Route 5, passengers can visit their website here.