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1. Do the bus drivers work for City of Modesto? Do they have special training?

The City contracts with private firms to provide drivers, driver supervision and customer service for both Modesto Area Express (MAX) and Modesto Area Dial-a-Ride. Drivers receive extensive classroom and behind the wheel training before transporting any passengers for MAX or DAR. Please call 209-577-5295 for more information.

2. Why don't smaller buses run on routes that aren't busy?

MAX uses either a 35 foot or 40 foot bus on a route dependent upon the maximum number of passengers expected to be on the bus at any time during the course of the day to avoid the need to add large numbers of supplemental buses to accommodate maximum ridership. The City selected these 2 bus sizes after years of experimentation. Having only 2 sizes in the fleet reduces the cost of parts inventory, special diagnostic equipment, driver and mechanic training, and increases repair efficiency.

Labor expenses make up the majority of the cost of operating a bus so very little depends on the size of the bus. Operating additional buses to meet maximum ridership demand is extremely expensive and is avoided as much as possible. Please call 209-577-5295 for more information.

3. Why are some routes different, or not run on the weekend?

For a variety of reasons ridership on weekends is much lower than weekdays. To maintain an efficient system in spite of reduced ridership, routes and schedules must be pared back. Consequently, though Saturday routes are the same as weekday routes they don't operate as frequently to maintain efficiency standards. To maximize efficiency on Sundays, some routes don't run at all or are a combination of the highest ridership segments of multiple routes. Please call 209-577-5295 for more information.

4. What time will the bus be at my stop?

MAX provides that information in several different ways. You can obtain that information by using the Easy Rider Trip Planner located on the MAX website. Information for hundreds of selected stops is provided on printed schedules, and on the MAX website. Finally, located on each bus stop sign post are the approximate departure times for each route serving that stop. For more information, please visit the Routes & Schedules page.

5. Why was my bus late?

MAX makes a concerted effort to ensure that all buses run according to published schedules; however, buses will occasionally be late due to circumstances beyond our control. Delays due to unusual traffic congestion and traffic accidents are the main culprits but delays due to mechanical and passenger issues are also contributing factors. Please call 209-577-5295 for more information.

6. How do I find out which bus I need?

Bus information is available on the Rider Tools page.

7. How much does the bus cost?

Fare information is available on the Fares page.

8. How do I ride with my bicycle?

Bike-N-Bus information is available on the System Info page.

9. How can I plan a trip that requires more than 1 bus system?

The Easy Rider Trip Planner includes information from all transit systems in Stanislaus County. Just type in the beginning and ending points of your trip and it will tell you exactly which routes to use within each city you will be traveling. It gives detailed instructions on where to board each individual bus you will need to ride, regardless of the community in which you begin and end your trip. Use the Easy Rider Trip Planner.

10. Where can I buy a monthly pass?

Monthly pass information is available on the Fares page.