On May 23, 2017, the Turlock City Council approved the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Transit Operations and Management contractor.  This was necessary due to the existing contract with First Transit expiring at the end of November 2017.  The new contract has a base term of just over 3-1/2 years with two, two-year extensions at the option of the City.  The new contract specified several changes from the existing contract, to include: a minimum wage for drivers and dispatchers, uniform requirements, two full-time management positions (General Manager and Operations Manager), and liquidated damages provisions for the Contractor's failure to meet key performance measures (i.e. late departures, missed runs, etc.).

Beginning Monday, July 31, 2017, Turlock Transit will implement route modifications on Routes 1, 2, 3, and 6 to detour around the full closure of N. Golden State Blvd. and Fulkerth Rd. / Hawkeye Ave., immediately adjacent to the Turlock Regional Transit Center (TRTC).  These modified routes are anticipated to remain in effect for approximately 45 days, though this is subject to extension based on progress by the City's contractor (working within the intersection) and the Union Pacific Railroad, which will be providing enhancements at the railroad tracks.  All routes will continue to start and end at the TRTC.  A diagram reflecting the changes is forthcoming.  Keep reading for more detailed information.

Turlock Transit staff is implementing two changes to the existing fare structure effective July 1, 2017, neither of which change the regular base fares for either fixed route or Dial-a-Ride services.  The following changes were approved by the Turlock City Council on June 27, 2017:

1. Fixed route discounts for military members. Adding active duty and honorably discharged United State Military veterans to the list of those individuals that qualify for discounted fares on fixed route service, in recognition of their service and commitment to their country.
2. Dial-a-Ride discounts for grouped travel.  A typical trip within Turlock currently costs $2.50 per person, one way.  Under the adopted changes this would drop to $1.50 per person, one way, if two individuals traveled together on the same trip.  This drops even further to $1.00 per person, one way, if three or more individuals travel together on the same trip.  These grouped travel trips are not be subject to the extra $1.00 charge that applies to single trip riders traveling outside of the City limits.  To qualify, passengers must travel under the same reservation, boarding together and leaving together.