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Transportation

Public transportation offers mobility to U.S. residents, particularly people without cars. Transit can help bridge the spatial divide between people and jobs, services, and training opportunities. Public transportation is also beneficial because it reduces fuel consumption, minimizes air pollution, and relieves traffic congestion.
A snapshot of transportation in Santa Cruz County:
  • The mean travel time to to work is 27.5 minutes - overtime this value has continued to increase - this is worse than 50% of other CA counties.
  • 2.2% of workers commute by public transportation; this is higher among 16-24 year olds.
  • Consumer expenditures for local public transportation is higher and worse when compared to both CA Counties and US Counties
  • 68% of workers drive alone to work. This trend has been decreasing since 2009. 
Variations in the County:
  • The longest mean travel times to work are experienced by residents in the San Lorenzo Valley (36.8 minutes) followed by Mid-County, South County and lastly, North County (25.6 minutes)
  • About 8% of workers in North County walk to work compared to roughly 2% in South County and the San Lorenzo Valley.
Focus On

Transportation

Explore the data to learn more about transportation in Santa Cruz County.
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Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 26.7 which is in the 2nd worst quartile of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 26.6 while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 31.0. Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 26.7 which is in the 2nd worst quartile of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 26.6 while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 31.0.
Mean Travel Time to Work
(Compared to CA Counties)
Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 1.8% which is in the best 50% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value higher than 0.8% while counties in the worst 25% have a value lower than 0.5%. Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 1.8% which is in the best 50% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value higher than 0.8% while counties in the worst 25% have a value lower than 0.5%.
Workers Commuting by Public Transportation
(Compared to CA Counties)
Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 64.2% which is in the best 50% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 73.0% while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 76.4%. Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 64.2% which is in the best 50% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 73.0% while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 76.4%.
Workers who Drive Alone to Work
(Compared to CA Counties)
Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (229) is greater and better than the previously measured value (227). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (229) is greater and better than the previously measured value (227).
Bikeway Miles
(Compared to Prior Value)

County: Santa Cruz

Local Reports & Community Strategies for Transportation
City of Watsonville Vision Zero Action Plan 2021

City of Watsonville Vision Zero Action Plan 2021
Vision Zero is a world-wide strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries to ensure safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all.
Learn More
Coastal Rail Trail Project Fact Sheet

Coastal Rail Trail Project Fact Sheet
The Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network is a regional transportation commission proposed 50-mile bicycle and pedestrian trail project.
Learn More
2022 Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission Legislative Program

2022 Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission Legislative Program
This legislative program gives an overview of the focus areas and ongoing priorities for 2022. 
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City of Santa Cruz Active Transportation Plan

City of Santa Cruz Active Transportation Plan
 The Active Transportation Plan identifies an integrated network of walkways and bikeways that connect the City of Santa Cruz neighborhoods and communities to employment, recreation, education and destinations that meet their daily needs.
Learn More
City of Watsonville Complete Streets to Schools Plan

City of Watsonville Complete Streets to Schools Plan
Recommendations for improving safety at the 15 public schools of the Pajaro Valley Unified School District (PVUSD) located in the City of Watsonville. The Plan includes a prioritized list of conceptual infrastructure improvements and recommendations for education and encouragement programs intended to improve the safety of families while walking and biking and to encourage more active transportation trips to school
Learn More
Ecology Action Impact Report (2021)

Ecology Action Impact Report (2021)
Ecology Action Impact Report shares impact summaries on programs and advocacy. 
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Indicator Gauge Icon Legend

Red is bad, green is good, blue is not statistically different/neutral.

Compared to Distribution

an indicator guage with the arrow in the green the value is in the best half of communities.

an indicator guage with the arrow in the yellow the value is in the 2nd worst quarter of communities.

an indicator guage with the arrow in the red the value is in the worst quarter of communities.

Compared to Target

green circle with white tick inside it meets target; red circle with white cross inside it does not meet target.

Compared to a Single Value

green diamond with downward arrow inside it lower than the comparison value; red diamond with downward arrow inside it higher than the comparison value; blue diamond with downward arrow inside it not statistically different from comparison value.

Trend

green square outline with upward trending arrow inside it green square outline with downward trending arrow inside it non-significant change over time; green square with upward trending arrow inside it green square with downward trending arrow inside it significant change over time; blue square with equals sign no change over time.

Compared to Prior Value

green triangle with upward trending arrow inside it higher than the previous measurement period; green triangle with downward trending arrow inside it lower than the previous measurement period; blue equals sign no statistically different change  from previous measurement period.

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Community / Transportation

Community / Transportation

Community / Transportation

Mean Travel Time to Work

Value
Compared to:

Community / Transportation

Mean Travel Time to Work

Value
Compared to:

Mean Travel Time to Work Region: Mid-County

Current Value:

Region: Mid-County

28.2
Minutes
(2018-2022)
Compared to:
Compared to CA Counties, Mid-County has a value of 28.2 which is in the 2nd worst quartile of regions. Regions in the best 50% have a value lower than 26.6 while regions in the worst 25% have a value higher than 31.0.
CA Counties
Compared to U.S. Counties, Mid-County has a value of 28.2 which is in the worst 25% of regions. Regions in the best 50% have a value lower than 24.0 while regions in the worst 25% have a value higher than 27.8.
U.S. Counties
Compared to the Santa Cruz, CA County Value (26.7), Mid-County has a value of 28.2 which is higher and worse.
Santa Cruz, CA County Value
(26.7)
Compared to the CA Value (29.2), Mid-County has a value of 28.2 which is lower and better.
CA Value
(29.2)
Compared to the US Value (26.7), Mid-County has a value of 28.2 which is higher and worse.
US Value
(26.7)
Over time, the Mid-County value is increasing, not significantly.
Trend
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Mean Travel Time to Work Region: North County

Current Value:

Region: North County

24.0
Minutes
(2018-2022)
Compared to:
Compared to CA Counties, North County has a value of 24.0 which is in the best 50% of regions. Regions in the best 50% have a value lower than 26.6 while regions in the worst 25% have a value higher than 31.0.
CA Counties
Compared to U.S. Counties, North County has a value of 24.0 which is in the best 50% of regions. Regions in the best 50% have a value lower than 24.0 while regions in the worst 25% have a value higher than 27.8.
U.S. Counties
Compared to the Santa Cruz, CA County Value (26.7), North County has a value of 24.0 which is lower and better.
Santa Cruz, CA County Value
(26.7)
Compared to the CA Value (29.2), North County has a value of 24.0 which is lower and better.
CA Value
(29.2)
Compared to the US Value (26.7), North County has a value of 24.0 which is lower and better.
US Value
(26.7)
Over time, the North County value is increasing, not significantly.
Trend
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Mean Travel Time to Work Region: San Lorenzo Valley

Current Value:

Region: San Lorenzo Valley

36.0
Minutes
(2018-2022)
Compared to:
Compared to CA Counties, San Lorenzo Valley has a value of 36.0 which is in the worst 25% of regions. Regions in the best 50% have a value lower than 26.6 while regions in the worst 25% have a value higher than 31.0.
CA Counties
Compared to U.S. Counties, San Lorenzo Valley has a value of 36.0 which is in the worst 25% of regions. Regions in the best 50% have a value lower than 24.0 while regions in the worst 25% have a value higher than 27.8.
U.S. Counties
Compared to the Santa Cruz, CA County Value (26.7), San Lorenzo Valley has a value of 36.0 which is higher and worse.
Santa Cruz, CA County Value
(26.7)
Compared to the CA Value (29.2), San Lorenzo Valley has a value of 36.0 which is higher and worse.
CA Value
(29.2)
Compared to the US Value (26.7), San Lorenzo Valley has a value of 36.0 which is higher and worse.
US Value
(26.7)
Over time, the San Lorenzo Valley value is increasing, not significantly.
Trend
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Mean Travel Time to Work Region: South County

Current Value:

Region: South County

27.7
Minutes
(2018-2022)
Compared to:
Compared to CA Counties, South County has a value of 27.7 which is in the 2nd worst quartile of regions. Regions in the best 50% have a value lower than 26.6 while regions in the worst 25% have a value higher than 31.0.
CA Counties
Compared to U.S. Counties, South County has a value of 27.7 which is in the 2nd worst quartile of regions. Regions in the best 50% have a value lower than 24.0 while regions in the worst 25% have a value higher than 27.8.
U.S. Counties
Compared to the Santa Cruz, CA County Value (26.7), South County has a value of 27.7 which is higher and worse.
Santa Cruz, CA County Value
(26.7)
Compared to the CA Value (29.2), South County has a value of 27.7 which is lower and better.
CA Value
(29.2)
Compared to the US Value (26.7), South County has a value of 27.7 which is higher and worse.
US Value
(26.7)
Over time, the South County value is increasing significantly.
Trend
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Community / Transportation

Workers Commuting by Public Transportation

Value
Compared to:

Community / Transportation

Workers Commuting by Public Transportation

Value
Compared to:

Workers Commuting by Public Transportation Region: Mid-County

Current Value:

Region: Mid-County

1.0%
(2018-2022)
Compared to:
Compared to CA Counties, Mid-County has a value of 1.0% which is in the best 50% of regions. Regions in the best 50% have a value higher than 0.8% while regions in the worst 25% have a value lower than 0.5%.
CA Counties
Compared to U.S. Counties, Mid-County has a value of 1.0% which is in the best 50% of regions. Regions in the best 50% have a value higher than 0.3% while regions in the worst 25% have a value lower than 0.1%.
U.S. Counties
(2015-2019)
Compared to the Santa Cruz, CA County Value (1.8%), Mid-County has a value of 1.0% which is lower and worse.
Santa Cruz, CA County Value
(1.8%)
Compared to the CA Value (3.6%), Mid-County has a value of 1.0% which is lower and worse.
CA Value
(3.6%)
Compared to the US Value (3.8%), Mid-County has a value of 1.0% which is lower and worse.
US Value
(3.8%)
Over time, the Mid-County value is decreasing, not significantly.
Trend
Compared to the HP 2030 Target (5.3%), the target has not been met.
HP 2030 Target
(5.3%)
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Workers Commuting by Public Transportation Region: North County

Current Value:

Region: North County

2.9%
(2018-2022)
Compared to:
Compared to CA Counties, North County has a value of 2.9% which is in the best 50% of regions. Regions in the best 50% have a value higher than 0.8% while regions in the worst 25% have a value lower than 0.5%.
CA Counties
Compared to U.S. Counties, North County has a value of 2.9% which is in the best 50% of regions. Regions in the best 50% have a value higher than 0.3% while regions in the worst 25% have a value lower than 0.1%.
U.S. Counties
(2015-2019)
Compared to the Santa Cruz, CA County Value (1.8%), North County has a value of 2.9% which is higher and better.
Santa Cruz, CA County Value
(1.8%)
Compared to the CA Value (3.6%), North County has a value of 2.9% which is lower and worse.
CA Value
(3.6%)
Compared to the US Value (3.8%), North County has a value of 2.9% which is lower and worse.
US Value
(3.8%)
Over time, the North County value is decreasing, not significantly.
Trend
Compared to the HP 2030 Target (5.3%), the target has not been met.
HP 2030 Target
(5.3%)
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Workers Commuting by Public Transportation Region: San Lorenzo Valley

Current Value:

Region: San Lorenzo Valley

1.1%
(2018-2022)
Compared to:
Compared to CA Counties, San Lorenzo Valley has a value of 1.1% which is in the best 50% of regions. Regions in the best 50% have a value higher than 0.8% while regions in the worst 25% have a value lower than 0.5%.
CA Counties
Compared to U.S. Counties, San Lorenzo Valley has a value of 1.1% which is in the best 50% of regions. Regions in the best 50% have a value higher than 0.3% while regions in the worst 25% have a value lower than 0.1%.
U.S. Counties
(2015-2019)
Compared to the Santa Cruz, CA County Value (1.8%), San Lorenzo Valley has a value of 1.1% which is lower and worse.
Santa Cruz, CA County Value
(1.8%)
Compared to the CA Value (3.6%), San Lorenzo Valley has a value of 1.1% which is lower and worse.
CA Value
(3.6%)
Compared to the US Value (3.8%), San Lorenzo Valley has a value of 1.1% which is lower and worse.
US Value
(3.8%)
Over time, the San Lorenzo Valley value is decreasing, not significantly.
Trend
Compared to the HP 2030 Target (5.3%), the target has not been met.
HP 2030 Target
(5.3%)
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Workers Commuting by Public Transportation Region: South County

Current Value:

Region: South County

0.8%
(2018-2022)
Compared to:
Compared to CA Counties, South County has a value of 0.8% which is in the best 50% of regions. Regions in the best 50% have a value higher than 0.8% while regions in the worst 25% have a value lower than 0.5%.
CA Counties
Compared to U.S. Counties, South County has a value of 0.8% which is in the best 50% of regions. Regions in the best 50% have a value higher than 0.3% while regions in the worst 25% have a value lower than 0.1%.
U.S. Counties
(2015-2019)
Compared to the Santa Cruz, CA County Value (1.8%), South County has a value of 0.8% which is lower and worse.
Santa Cruz, CA County Value
(1.8%)
Compared to the CA Value (3.6%), South County has a value of 0.8% which is lower and worse.
CA Value
(3.6%)
Compared to the US Value (3.8%), South County has a value of 0.8% which is lower and worse.
US Value
(3.8%)
Over time, the South County value is decreasing, significantly.
Trend
Compared to the HP 2030 Target (5.3%), the target has not been met.
HP 2030 Target
(5.3%)
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Community / Transportation

Workers who Drive Alone to Work

Value
Compared to:

Community / Transportation

Workers who Drive Alone to Work

Value
Compared to:

Workers who Drive Alone to Work Region: Mid-County

Current Value:

Region: Mid-County

64.9%
(2018-2022)
Compared to:
Compared to CA Counties, Mid-County has a value of 64.9% which is in the best 50% of regions. Regions in the best 50% have a value lower than 73.0% while regions in the worst 25% have a value higher than 76.4%.
CA Counties
Compared to U.S. Counties, Mid-County has a value of 64.9% which is in the best 50% of regions. Regions in the best 50% have a value lower than 79.0% while regions in the worst 25% have a value higher than 82.3%.
U.S. Counties
Compared to the Santa Cruz, CA County Value (64.2%), Mid-County has a value of 64.9% which is higher and worse.
Santa Cruz, CA County Value
(64.2%)
Compared to the CA Value (68.4%), Mid-County has a value of 64.9% which is lower and better.
CA Value
(68.4%)
Compared to the US Value (71.7%), Mid-County has a value of 64.9% which is lower and better.
US Value
(71.7%)
Over time, the Mid-County value is decreasing, significantly.
Trend
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Workers who Drive Alone to Work Region: North County

Current Value:

Region: North County

59.2%
(2018-2022)
Compared to:
Compared to CA Counties, North County has a value of 59.2% which is in the best 50% of regions. Regions in the best 50% have a value lower than 73.0% while regions in the worst 25% have a value higher than 76.4%.
CA Counties
Compared to U.S. Counties, North County has a value of 59.2% which is in the best 50% of regions. Regions in the best 50% have a value lower than 79.0% while regions in the worst 25% have a value higher than 82.3%.
U.S. Counties
Compared to the Santa Cruz, CA County Value (64.2%), North County has a value of 59.2% which is lower and better.
Santa Cruz, CA County Value
(64.2%)
Compared to the CA Value (68.4%), North County has a value of 59.2% which is lower and better.
CA Value
(68.4%)
Compared to the US Value (71.7%), North County has a value of 59.2% which is lower and better.
US Value
(71.7%)
Over time, the North County value is decreasing, not significantly.
Trend
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Workers who Drive Alone to Work Region: San Lorenzo Valley

Current Value:

Region: San Lorenzo Valley

68.9%
(2018-2022)
Compared to:
Compared to CA Counties, San Lorenzo Valley has a value of 68.9% which is in the best 50% of regions. Regions in the best 50% have a value lower than 73.0% while regions in the worst 25% have a value higher than 76.4%.
CA Counties
Compared to U.S. Counties, San Lorenzo Valley has a value of 68.9% which is in the best 50% of regions. Regions in the best 50% have a value lower than 79.0% while regions in the worst 25% have a value higher than 82.3%.
U.S. Counties
Compared to the Santa Cruz, CA County Value (64.2%), San Lorenzo Valley has a value of 68.9% which is higher and worse.
Santa Cruz, CA County Value
(64.2%)
Compared to the CA Value (68.4%), San Lorenzo Valley has a value of 68.9% which is higher and worse.
CA Value
(68.4%)
Compared to the US Value (71.7%), San Lorenzo Valley has a value of 68.9% which is lower and better.
US Value
(71.7%)
Over time, the San Lorenzo Valley value is decreasing, significantly.
Trend
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Workers who Drive Alone to Work Region: South County

Current Value:

Region: South County

70.7%
(2018-2022)
Compared to:
Compared to CA Counties, South County has a value of 70.7% which is in the best 50% of regions. Regions in the best 50% have a value lower than 73.0% while regions in the worst 25% have a value higher than 76.4%.
CA Counties
Compared to U.S. Counties, South County has a value of 70.7% which is in the best 50% of regions. Regions in the best 50% have a value lower than 79.0% while regions in the worst 25% have a value higher than 82.3%.
U.S. Counties
Compared to the Santa Cruz, CA County Value (64.2%), South County has a value of 70.7% which is higher and worse.
Santa Cruz, CA County Value
(64.2%)
Compared to the CA Value (68.4%), South County has a value of 70.7% which is higher and worse.
CA Value
(68.4%)
Compared to the US Value (71.7%), South County has a value of 70.7% which is lower and better.
US Value
(71.7%)
Over time, the South County value is decreasing, not significantly.
Trend
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Community / Transportation

Workers who Walk to Work

Value
Compared to:

Community / Transportation

Workers who Walk to Work

Value
Compared to:

Workers who Walk to Work Region: Mid-County

Current Value:

Region: Mid-County

3.3%
(2018-2022)
Compared to:
Compared to CA Counties, Mid-County has a value of 3.3% which is in the best 50% of regions. Regions in the best 50% have a value higher than 2.2% while regions in the worst 25% have a value lower than 1.5%.
CA Counties
Compared to U.S. Counties, Mid-County has a value of 3.3% which is in the best 50% of regions. Regions in the best 50% have a value higher than 2.0% while regions in the worst 25% have a value lower than 1.2%.
U.S. Counties
Compared to the Santa Cruz, CA County Value (4.6%), Mid-County has a value of 3.3% which is lower and worse.
Santa Cruz, CA County Value
(4.6%)
Compared to the CA Value (2.4%), Mid-County has a value of 3.3% which is higher and better.
CA Value
(2.4%)
Compared to the US Value (2.4%), Mid-County has a value of 3.3% which is higher and better.
US Value
(2.4%)
Over time, the Mid-County value is increasing, not significantly.
Trend
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Workers who Walk to Work Region: North County

Current Value:

Region: North County

7.3%
(2018-2022)
Compared to:
Compared to CA Counties, North County has a value of 7.3% which is in the best 50% of regions. Regions in the best 50% have a value higher than 2.2% while regions in the worst 25% have a value lower than 1.5%.
CA Counties
Compared to U.S. Counties, North County has a value of 7.3% which is in the best 50% of regions. Regions in the best 50% have a value higher than 2.0% while regions in the worst 25% have a value lower than 1.2%.
U.S. Counties
Compared to the Santa Cruz, CA County Value (4.6%), North County has a value of 7.3% which is higher and better.
Santa Cruz, CA County Value
(4.6%)
Compared to the CA Value (2.4%), North County has a value of 7.3% which is higher and better.
CA Value
(2.4%)
Compared to the US Value (2.4%), North County has a value of 7.3% which is higher and better.
US Value
(2.4%)
Over time, the North County value is increasing, not significantly.
Trend
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Workers who Walk to Work Region: San Lorenzo Valley

Current Value:

Region: San Lorenzo Valley

1.3%
(2018-2022)
Compared to:
Compared to CA Counties, San Lorenzo Valley has a value of 1.3% which is in the worst 25% of regions. Regions in the best 50% have a value higher than 2.2% while regions in the worst 25% have a value lower than 1.5%.
CA Counties
Compared to U.S. Counties, San Lorenzo Valley has a value of 1.3% which is in the 2nd worst quartile of regions. Regions in the best 50% have a value higher than 2.0% while regions in the worst 25% have a value lower than 1.2%.
U.S. Counties
Compared to the Santa Cruz, CA County Value (4.6%), San Lorenzo Valley has a value of 1.3% which is lower and worse.
Santa Cruz, CA County Value
(4.6%)
Compared to the CA Value (2.4%), San Lorenzo Valley has a value of 1.3% which is lower and worse.
CA Value
(2.4%)
Compared to the US Value (2.4%), San Lorenzo Valley has a value of 1.3% which is lower and worse.
US Value
(2.4%)
Over time, the San Lorenzo Valley value is decreasing, not significantly.
Trend
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Workers who Walk to Work Region: South County

Current Value:

Region: South County

1.9%
(2018-2022)
Compared to:
Compared to CA Counties, South County has a value of 1.9% which is in the 2nd worst quartile of regions. Regions in the best 50% have a value higher than 2.2% while regions in the worst 25% have a value lower than 1.5%.
CA Counties
Compared to U.S. Counties, South County has a value of 1.9% which is in the 2nd worst quartile of regions. Regions in the best 50% have a value higher than 2.0% while regions in the worst 25% have a value lower than 1.2%.
U.S. Counties
Compared to the Santa Cruz, CA County Value (4.6%), South County has a value of 1.9% which is lower and worse.
Santa Cruz, CA County Value
(4.6%)
Compared to the CA Value (2.4%), South County has a value of 1.9% which is lower and worse.
CA Value
(2.4%)
Compared to the US Value (2.4%), South County has a value of 1.9% which is lower and worse.
US Value
(2.4%)
Over time, the South County value is decreasing, not significantly.
Trend
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Santa Cruz