Beginning on Monday, July 2, Humboldt County bus riders will have more opportunities to take public transportation to and from gorgeous Southern Humboldt, including more stops along the world-renowned Avenue of the Giants. The Humboldt Transit Authority (HTA) this week voted to expand its Southern Humboldt inter-city service, which runs from Eureka to Benbow, and will now provide the service seven days per week from July to October, and six days a week during other times of the year.
The new schedule features five daily southbound trips on weekdays and six northbound trips. On weekends, there will be two daily southbound trips and three trips back north. Weekend service also includes 10 stops along the Avenue of the Giants.
“It has been a wonderful experience to work with community along with the staff and Board of HTA toward such a great improvement to Southern Humboldt bus service,” said Second District Supervisor Estelle Fennell. Not only do we have weekend service, but riders from north and south can now access and visit the numerous wonderful Redwood Groves along the Avenue of the Giants at very low cost. What a wonderful way to celebrate the natural beauty all around us.”
A ride from on the Southern Humboldt inter-city line will cost $6.25, and you can pay for your fare in person or using the Token Transit app. Reduced bus fare programs are available. To plan your trip, visit HTA.org, or us the Transit app on your phone. Buses on the Southern Humboldt inter-city service are comfortable, well-ventilated and all buses have free wi-fi.
The change in service also includes the elimination of the local Southern Humboldt route, which ran exclusively between the communities of South Fork, Phillipsville, Redway, Garberville and Benbow.
Background on transit in Humboldt County:
Transit in Humboldt County is administered through a joint powers authority between the County of Humboldt and the cities of Arcata, Eureka, Fortuna, Rio Dell and Trinidad. HTA provides riders with affordable fixed route and dial-a-ride transportation options that allow access throughout Humboldt County. Services span from Trinidad, south along Hwy. 101 to Benbow and east on Hwy. 299 from Arcata to Willow Creek, including the Arcata–Eureka Airport and the communities of McKinleyville, Eureka and Fortuna, with Blue Lake Rancheria providing service to Blue Lake.