News

Marin Transit News

Marin Transit is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Betts as its new General Manager, effective January 12, 2026. Mr. Betts brings extensive leadership experience in public transit and a strong commitment to improving mobility, equity, and sustainability for Marin County residents.

Mr. Betts has more than 20 years of experience in the transportation field. He currently serves as Marin Transit’s Director of Operations and Service Development and has been an integral member of the Transit District’s staff since 2011. He led the agency through several transit service improvements and managed service changes during the pandemic. Marin Transit was the first transit operator in the Bay Area to have ridership return to pre-COVID levels and continues to grow its ridership. Throughout his career, Mr. Betts has focused on improving service quality, strengthening community partnerships, and implementing innovative solutions to meet evolving transit needs.

“We are confident that Robert’s leadership experience and deep understanding of public transit in our County will enable Marin Transit to continue to serve our communities well,” said Mary Sackett, President of the Marin Transit Board of Directors. 

Marin Transit was recently awarded a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant in the amount of $5.64 million for the renovation of the Rush Landing office building and the purchase of three replacement buses. Funding was awarded as part of the FY25 FTA Bus and Low- and No-Emission Grant Awards and will allow Marin Transit to modernize the Rush Landing building in Novato and optimize its use for transit operations. The funding will also replace three smaller cutaway shuttles with new 40-foot hybrid buses. The Low or No Emission competitive program provides funding to state and local governmental authorities for the purchase or lease of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses as well as acquisition, construction, and leasing of required supporting facilities.

On December 1, 2025 the Marin Transit Board of Director’s approved service changes for Marin Transit local bus service in response to the MASCOTS study. 

The final service change proposal was scaled back from previous versions, in response to feedback collected from riders and the community. During the service change development process and formal public comment period, staff held 8 dedicated engagement events to collect feedback. The events were attended by over 150 riders and community members and formal feedback was collected from nearly 60 community members. Thank you to all that attended an event, participated in a focus group, or provided feedback. Your input was essential in the development of the final service change proposal!

The service changes are focused on improving connections for local passengers transferring to regional service and offering new local connections. Routes 22, 29, and 71 will have routing changes. Some additional routes are proposed to have schedule changes.

Rider education efforts will begin in early 2026 and the service changes will be implemented in April 2026.

Marin Transit News

• Marin Transit Service Changes in Response to MASCOTS Study: On December 1, 2025 the Marin Transit Board of Director’s approved service changes for Marin Transit local bus service in response to the MASCOTS study. The final service change proposal was scaled back to respond to rider feedback collected from riders and the community. Rider education efforts will begin in early 2026 and the service changes will be implemented in April 2026. Thank you for providing your feedback! 

Marin Access News

• Marin Access Mobility Wallet – CAR Transitional Program: The Marin Access Mobility Wallet – CAR Transitional program is scheduled to end on December 31, 2025. Program participants that have an income barrier may enroll in the Marin Access Fare Assistance (MAFA) Program to maintain their benefit through the Marin Access Mobility Wallet. To learn more about program changes and how to enroll in MAFA, visit marintransit.org/mobilitywallet. 

Transit & Community Partner Updates

Marin Transit Releases Draft Environmental Document for Operations & Maintenance Facility at 1075 E Francisco Blvd for Public Review

Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration: An initial study evaluation has been developed and determined that there is no significant impact on the environment, and that no environmental impact report is required. The Initial Study and Preliminary Mitigated Negative Declaration is available for review here (link coming soon!). 

Public Review Period for this Environmental Document: November 3, 2025 - December 2, 2025 at 5 p.m.

Public Meeting: Marin Transit Board of Directors meeting on December 1, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. Participants may attend virtually or in person. The meeting will be held at 3501 Civic Center Drive, Suite 330, San Rafael, CA 94903. More information about the public meeting can be found at www.marintransit.org/dec2025-board. 

Comments on the document may be submitted as follows:

On October 1, 2025, Marin Transit released a service change proposal for Marin Transit local bus service in response to the regional changes recommended through the Marin-Sonoma Coordinated Transit Service Plan (MASCOTS) effort for Golden Gate Bridge, Highway, and Transportation District (GGBHTD), and Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART). 

The service change proposal is focused on improving connections for local passengers transferring to regional service and offering new local connections. Routes impacted by these changes are concentrated in Southern Marin. Routes 17, 22, 29, 36, and 71 are proposed to have routing changes. Some additional routes are proposed to have schedule changes. 

Marin Transit today announced the retirement of General Manager Nancy Whelan, who has served the agency for more than 11 years and dedicated over 45 years to public transportation.

“Serving in this position has been a great honor, and I’m extremely proud of what Marin Transit has accomplished during my tenure,” said Nancy Whelan.  “While we’ve faced many challenges over the past 11 years, especially in supporting our customers and the community during the COVID pandemic, we’ve also made historic progress towards a greener and more connected future.  I am especially proud of the focus our board has placed on providing services to everyone in Marin - youth, older adults and individuals with disabilities.” 

“There is still far more to be done but I have full faith that our talented and highly motivated staff and leadership, working alongside our Marin County and state partners, will shepherd the agency into a successful new chapter.”

Under Nancy Whelan’s leadership, Marin Transit achieved significant milestones, including:

September is Transit Month! This September, join us in celebrating the buses, trains, and people that make the wonderful transit system we all know and ride. We’re thrilled to be joining transit agencies, transit riders, and advocates across the region to celebrate. 

Marin Transit is supporting this year’s Transit Month because we believe that everyone in Marin County and the region should have access to safe, affordable, accessible public transit. We have seen people get back on the bus and rail all year long, and our region is better for it. Transit Month is a great opportunity to build community, explore the Bay Area, raise awareness about the importance of keeping our region moving through transit, and get involved in the local organizations in your area.  Public transit not only lowers the barrier to opportunities but also combats climate change, connects people across our region, and more. 

Marin Transit provides transit options for students countywide, including routes serving the College of Marin, Dominican University, and most high schools and middle schools in Marin County. Visit our schools page to find which route serves your school. Learn more about the different payment options available for students including cash, Youth Transit Pass or Clipper.

• Marin Transit Supplemental School Route 625 will resume with the start of school for Ross Valley School District on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
• Marin Transit Supplemental School Routes 613 and 619 will resume with the start of school for Tamalpais Union High School District on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
• Marin Transit Supplemental School Route 654 will resume with the start of school for Novato School District on Thursday, August 21, 2025.