For Immediate Release
Date: January 23, 2026
Contact: Danielle Frost
(831) 420-2550
dfrost@scmetro.org

METRO Launches Free Seabright Shuttle

Santa Cruz, CA (Jan. 23, 2026): Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (METRO) is introducing the Seabright Shuttle, a free, flexible, curb-to-curb microtransit pilot service designed to support residents, employees, and visitors traveling within Santa Cruz’s Seabright neighborhood during the Murray Street Bridge Retrofit Project.

Beginning January 26, the Seabright Shuttle will operate Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM, offering on-demand rides using METRO’s accessible ParaCruz vans. Riders can travel from their home or business to the nearest METRO bus stop—or from a bus stop to any destination within the Seabright service zone—making it easier to navigate the area without relying on a personal vehicle.

“Construction on the Murray Street Bridge has created temporary challenges for the Seabright community,” said Corey Aldridge, METRO CEO. “This shuttle provides a reliable, convenient, and accessible mobility option that keeps people connected to work, school, services, and the broader METRO network.”

How the Seabright Shuttle Works

Riders can book trips by calling METRO ParaCruz at (831) 425-4664 (phone bookings available until 5PM) or by using the Mobility by Ecolane App. Upon booking, riders receive a 30-minute pickup window, with typical wait times ranging from 5 to 45 minutes.

An accessible ParaCruz vehicle will pick riders up curbside.

Once onboard, riders are taken to the nearest METRO fixed-route stop for seamless connection to regular bus service. All Seabright Shuttle rides are free when connecting to or from a METRO fixed route bus.

Service Area & Transfers: Seabright Neighborhood Zone (see service map)

When picking up in the zone, drop-off will be at:

  • Broadway & Seabright (Stop 1260) for travel to Downtown Santa Cruz; or
  • Soquel Ave & Frederick (Stop 1795) for travel to Watsonville.

When dropping off in the zone, pick-up will be at:

  • Broadway & Cayuga (Stop 1259) from Downtown Santa Cruz; or
  • Soquel Ave & San Juan Ave (Stop 1796) from Watsonville.

Key Features

  • Hours: 8 AM–6 PM, Monday–Friday (Last drop off window is 5:30PM – 6PM)
  • Wait Time: 5–45 minutes
  • Pickup Window: Driver waits 3 minutes
  • Cost: Free when connecting with METRO fixed-route service
  • Booking: Call (831) 425-4664 (phone bookings available until 5PM)or use the Mobility by
    Ecolane App
  • Accessibility: ParaCruz vehicles accommodate mobility devices

For more information and to view the Seabright Shuttle service area visit scmetro.org/seabrightshuttle.

About Us

Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (METRO

Established in 1968, METRO’S mission is to provide environmentally sustainable transportation to Santa Cruz County. METRO directly operates county-wide, fixed-route and Highway 17 commuter service, with connections to Santa Clara County and Monterey Salinas Transit at our Watsonville Transit Center. The agency also operates ParaCruz paratransit service. Today, METRO operates a fleet of 104 buses on 20 fixed routes and 32 paratransit vehicles.

Every ride on a METRO bus takes cars off the road, significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and supports economic opportunity and quality of life in our community. Moving into the future, METRO strives to meet the following goals:

  • Increase transit ridership to 7 million trips annually within the next five years
  • Transition to a zero-emissions fleet with a mix of hydrogen and electric vehicles
  • Increase affordable housing at METRO-owned transit centers to 175 units in the next 10 years.

For more information, visit scmetro.org.