Local Bus Transit Services FAQ

The University has supported students’ access to public transportation throughout Humboldt County for many years. 

Much of that support is provided through the JackPass program, which gives students unlimited access to all HTA bus routes at no additional cost. JackPass is funded by student fees specifically designated for that program and additionally subsidized with funding from a combination of state funds, revenue, and reserves from Transportation & Parking fines and forfeitures.

Additionally, the University has worked with HTA, the City of Arcata, the City of Eureka, and others on improving public transportation wherever possible. This includes directly funding routes, services, and studies to understand student and community demand.

Read more about the JackPass, how it works, and how the program is funded below.

The following local bus services have been updated:

Green and Gold Route: Based on recommendations from HTA, this University-funded route was discontinued beginning Fall 2026 primarily due to low ridership coupled with rising costs, and University budget constraints. Students will continue to have access to other HTA routes which serve the same general areas and stops.

Red and Yellow Lines (evening extension): The University will no longer separately fund evening service on these HTA routes. Instead, late-night service will be provided through the existing Orange Route evening extension, based on recommendations from the HTA.

Orange Line (evening extension): In lieu of funding evening service on the Red and Yellow lines, the University is now supporting the HTA evening service on the Orange Route while school is in session through the Spring 2027 semester. This service covers the same stops as evening service for the Red and Yellow lines.

Hinarr Hu Moulik Shuttle: At this time, HTA is unable to continue service after December 2026.  The University is committed to continuing the service and we’re currently exploring other transportation providers. The Hinarr Hu Moulik shuttle is a vital part of connecting students to campus and is a priority for the University. 

Program Funding:  The University covers all operating costs—including drivers, bus maintenance, and fuel—for the Green and Gold Line, evening service, and the Hinarr Hu Moulik shuttle. These services are funded primarily through Parking & Transportation revenue and reserves, as well as state funds. Student fees do not support these programs.

Read more about service changes below.

The Green and Gold line was established in 2023 to reduce wait times for bus service along existing HTA routes in Arcata.

Yet, HTA data shows that ridership on the route has declined significantly over the past three years. Although HTA recommended discontinuing the route in 2025, the University funded it for another year to determine whether ridership would improve. Ridership has remained low and does not provide the increased level of service for which it was intended. 
Cost analysis found that the route cost significantly more to operate than it generated in revenue. The effective cost to the University was approximately $24 per ride—12 times the standard $2 bus fare. Again, considering these stops will continue to be serviced with existing routes, the decision to eliminate the Green and Gold route is supported by HTA and the University.

Yes. The University understands night service is critical for the safety of our students. Based on HTA’s recommendation, the University is now funding evening weekday service on the Orange line, rather than the Red and Yellow lines, through the Spring 2027 semester. We’re working on options for service beyond that period. 

HTA has informed the University that it will end shuttle operations after December 2026 due to conflicts with their provisions as a federally subsidized public service. The University is actively exploring other providers that may be able to continue the service.

The JackPass gives students access to free unlimited rides on public transit throughout the county. The program is funded, in part, by a student fee designated specifically for this purpose, and with funding from a combination of state funds, revenue, and reserves from Transportation & Parking fines and forfeitures.

HTA charges the University each time a student uses a JackPass. In recent years, the total cost of those rides has exceeded the revenue collected through student fees. 

The University is charged each time a student uses their JackPass, with each swipe counting as one ride. In recent years, the cost of those rides has exceeded the student fee revenue. Zero funds of student-fee revenue support the Hinarr Hu Moulik, Green and Gold, or evening service funding. Jack Pass Student fees as part of the Instructionally Related Activities (IRA) fee exclusively support the JackPass program. 

To cover the shortfall, the University has used a combination of state funds, alongside revenue and reserves from Transportation & Parking, which are restricted to supporting alternative transportation.

For example, in 2025–26, JackPass rides cost a total of $445,048:

• Student fees covered approximately $341,000, or 77 percent.
• The University covered approximately $104,048, or 23 percent.

JackPass use is projected to cost approximately $450,000 in 2026–27. The final cost will depend on actual student ridership. The University is committed to the JackPass program and no changes are being considered. Additionally, we encourage our students to utilize the JackPass program as much as possible and explore new and sustainable ways to access the campus and the larger Humboldt community.

Yes. Hinarr Hu Moulik students may use the Campus Disability Resource Center shuttle to get to campus if additional accommodations are needed beyond the existing shuttle service. Also, for any student with accessibility needs, you may also qualify for HTA’s Dial-a-Ride, a shared-ride resource that complements fixed route bus services throughout Humboldt County.

Dial-a-Ride is free for eligible students and funded by the University. Eligibility and service information is available on the HTA Dial-a-Ride website.