Stanislaus Regional Transit Authority’s countywide overhaul of its bus network could bring notable changes for riders in Newman, Patterson and other Westside communities as the agency works to streamline service amid a $3 million budget shortfall.

StanRTA is developing its Connect the S Transit Plan, a multi‑phase effort aimed at making buses faster, more reliable and easier to navigate. But with the agency preparing to cut about 15% of its service hours, officials say they must balance efficiency with the needs of rural riders who rely on long‑distance routes for work, school and medical appointments.

“We’re looking at our routes, trying to find ways to make them better, but also trying to deal with this funding shortfall and how we can better craft our routes,” StanRTA CEO Adam Barth told Ceres Council members recently. He said the agency must trim underused segments while protecting access for rural communities.

Survey results from the planning process show riders countywide want shorter wait times, better lighting, and more shelters and benches at stops. Many of those concerns mirror long‑standing issues on the Westside, where riders often face 30‑ to 60‑minute waits and stops without shade or seating.

Route 45, which connects Newman and Patterson to Turlock and Stanislaus State, remains a key lifeline for Westside residents. The route offers strong on‑time performance but low ridership and long travel distances. It currently runs every 60 minutes on most days and every 180 minutes on weeknights.

One major shift StanRTA is considering is moving away from a system centered on downtown Modesto and toward satellite hubs that shorten routes and reduce transfers. “We need hubs to move around more the way airlines are designed,” said Angela Swanson, senior transit analyst and project manager for the short‑range plan. “You’re moving people around without having to go into the center.”

Swanson said the agency is exploring expanded hub facilities at key locations, including the Ceres Walmart area, to streamline routes while maintaining frequency. She noted that Ceres service will remain largely unchanged under the proposal, with only one low‑ridership segment being removed.

“There are some rural areas in our county that we serve that we don’t want to cut off service,” Barth said. “But we need to balance that.”

StanRTA is asking residents to review proposed route changes and provide feedback at ConnectTheS.org, where interactive maps show current and future service. The agency expects to finalize the short‑range plan later this year, with new routes implemented in 2027.

For Westside riders — especially in Newman and Patterson — the decisions ahead could determine whether transit becomes faster and more reliable or whether long waits and limited coverage continue to shape daily travel.

The survey and report are available at https://www.connectthes.org/.

Jeff Benziger contributed to this article.