The Metropolitan Transit District line 15X, also known as the SBCC/UCSB express, now travels beyond its original running time of 5:50 p.m., with departures from City College extended until 9:35 p.m.
“We knew that extending the span of service for 15X is something people have asked for a long time,” Hillary Blackerby, MTD planning and marketing manager said. “We know there are evening classes and we’ve talked to the college about how many classes are getting out after 6 p.m.”
In May 2023, Blackerby spoke to City College’s Associated Student Government in regard to the issue of students enrolled in night classes who have no way to get home, especially those who live in Isla Vista. Blackerby explained the major effect the pandemic had on the transit district services, and how MTD has been unable to return to “pre-pandemic strength” ever since.
“The service [line 15X] used to run later before the pandemic,” Blackerby said. “We had to cut back on the service when we experienced a shortage of operators, and that continued for many years.”
The transit agency has since restored this extension, prioritizing high-impact areas with minimal budget and resource impact.
The transit district met with City College leaders in April 2024 to introduce this service change, which sparked positive feedback. Transit officials presented the change to the board in May, and it went into effect on Aug.19.
“As a second-year student who takes night classes, this is very convenient compared to last year,” student Andrea Galvez said. “I feel much safer getting home this year.”
Because the 15X bus route goes from UCSB to City College, many students, including reverse commuters who live near City College and work at UCSB, can use this service. The extended service aims to provide a more accessible and convenient transportation option for students and workers after 6 p.m., according to Blackerby.
“Our biggest challenge now is letting people know that it’s running later and that they can take the bus [with a valid student ID],” Blackerby said.
MTD hopes to extend more services to prioritize student transportation in the future.
