What Is a Tripper Bus?

Have you ever been passed by a "Not in Service" bus that wasn't completely full?

If so, then this bus stop was already served by a tripper bus.  Tripper buses typically start picking up passengers at the scheduled time for inbound stops. Once the tripper starts, the regularly scheduled bus goes "Not in Service" and only drops off its current passengers.  All stops are served only once and more closely to the printed schedule time than would occur if only one bus was operating on the route.

Tripper buses are regularly assigned on the A, G, J, W, and Z lines.  It is best to rely on the printed schedule to avoid missing the bus, as bus tracking mobile applications may be less accurate due to two buses operating at once.  We recommend that customers remain aware of the scheduled time when arriving at a bus stop and get to your stop 2-5 minutes BEFORE the scheduled arrival. If you see two arrival predictions that are close together, use the schedule time or the earlier prediction to plan your arrival time at the stop.

Unitrans is operating 30 minute O line service to/from Target on the first two weekends of Fall Quarter between 11:30 AM and 3:40 PM. For extra O line trip schedule, click here! Note that these trips will not show up for real-time predictions or on third party apps. The extra trips are scheduled to help reduce weekend O line crowding and provide additional service to shopping opportunities in East Davis.

Dates of Extra O Line Service: Saturday, September 30, Sunday, October 1, Saturday, October 7, & Sunday, October 8.

Additional Memorial Union Weekend Departures: 11:30 AM, 12:40 PM, 1:40 PM, 2:40 PM, 3:40 PM

Click for full schedule, call 530-752-2877 for more information, or email us at unitrans@ucdavis.edu!

On Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, September 24, Unitrans will operate additional morning U line service between the MU Terminal and West Village to accommodate student orientation. Note that these additional trips will not appear on the regular U line schedule, Nextbus, or on third party services. The extra buses will serve all West Village stops. Click here for full morning schedule.

Additional MU Departures (MU Departure Time/The Green Departure Time/MU Arrival Time)

7:30 AM/7:40 AM/7:55 AM

7:45 AM/7:55 AM/8:10 AM

8:00 AM//8:10 AM/8:25 AM

8:15 AM/8:25 AM/8:40 AM

8:30 AM/8:40 AM/8:55 AM

8:45 AM/8:55 AM/9:10 AM

9:00 AM/9:10 AM/9:25 AM

9:15 AM/9:25 AM/9:40 AM

9:25 AM/9:35 AM/9:50 AM

9:45 AM/9:55 AM/10:10 AM

See regular U line schedule for trips after 9:45 AM.

On Wednesday, September 27, academic year ("regular") service resumes. Expect crowded buses, so please plan ahead. If you are able, please consider biking or walking to class, or take a bus that arrives on campus at least 30 minutes before your class starts to ensure you arrive on campus on time.

Buses will operate on the following weekday frequencies:

Every 30 minutes: B, C, D, E, F, G, J, K, L, M, P, Q, V-EX, V-LT, W, and Z

Every 60 minutes: A line

Full list of service changes, click here. Brief reminders:

The A & Z lines switched terminals. The A line now operates to/from the Memorial Union Terminal and the Z line to/from the Silo Terminal.

Rear Door Boarding has Ended. On single deck buses, you may only board through the front door. On double decker buses you may continue to board through the rear door if a conductor directs you to do so.

Passes and fares will be checked for all customers - No exceptions!

Never used a bus before or just need a reminder on how to ride the bus? Click our short "How to Ride" video to learn how to ride Unitrans with ease! Remember, have those AggieCards/passes/fares ready and board through the front door only on single deck buses! Click for video

Due to roadway construction, expect on-going delays to the L line. See below for details.

L line: Pole Line @ Donnor (#260) and Pole Line @ Picasso (#106) bus stops will likely be closed this week due to roadway construction. If closed, use Pole Line @ Claremont (#092) or Moore @ Pole Line (#249) bus stops. Expect delays.

Contact Unitrans at 530-752-2877 or unitrans@ucdavis.edu with questions.