Steve Dresser met with a few drivers of the new Lathrop Transit not too long ago.

They’ve been chance encounters – he’s just Steve to them, and not the Lathrop City Councilman – and the interactions have all been positive, to say the least.

“All have been friendly and helpful,” said Dresser at the Dec. 8 Council meeting.

He’s also talked to the riders of the City of Lathrop’s microtransit bus system, in particular, those doing the dial-a-ride.

They, too, have been pleased with the service.

Elected leaders just approved to extend the Lathrop Transit Fixed Route Fare-Free Program through June 30, 2026, along with medication of the fixed route schedule to mirror Lathrop High’s school schedule throughout the current school year.

“Lathrop Transit is still new to the community – if you need it, it’s there,” said Deputy City Manager Thomas Hedegard.

Developed as a critical community mobility resource, the Lathrop Transit operates via a combination of fixed routes and dial-a-rides.

Included is the fixed-route “School Tripper” service, which was designed to complement school commute periods and is fully accessible to the general public.

Since implementing the “School Tripper” route, Lathrop Transit has experienced steady month-over-month increases in ridership.

Dresser took notice of the number of riders and was curious of the status.

“The vans aren’t quite full yet but we’re getting there,” Hedegard said.

 Staff noted that the increased number of Lathrop Transit ridership has been an indication of “rising community awareness and acceptance.”

New bus stop signs, in addition, have been placed along the “School Tripper” route, marking each of the official stops along the way.

As for mirroring the LHS schedule, staff believes this will improve service reliability for the largest ridership segment and the system’s efficiency.

For more information or to request a dial-a-ride, log on to www.lathroptransit.com or call 866.495.5438.