SJJPA and RABA Launch New Route 5 Express Bus Route, Connecting Redding to Sacramento Along I-5
(August 10, Redding, CA) – The San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) and Redding Area Bus Authority (RABA) announced today the launch of Route 5, a new Gold Runner Thruway bus service connecting Redding and Sacramento along the Interstate 5 corridor. The new route provides two daily round-trips with stops in Redding, Red Bluff, Orland, Williams, Sacramento International Airport, and Downtown Sacramento at the Sacramento Valley Station, creating a direct connection between rural Northern California communities and the Sacramento region.
Route 5 builds on the Gold Runner Thruway bus system, which extends passenger rail access beyond station cities and plays a key role in connecting riders to the statewide transportation network. Earlier this year, SJJPA launched Route 40, connecting Merced and San Jose, as part of the same ongoing effort to expand Thruway bus connections across the Gold Runner network. Route 5 expands that strategy further north, providing greater mobility and access to rural populations to the rest of the state by connecting to the broader passenger rail system.
Route 5 delivers a faster, more direct alternative to the existing Route 3 service along State Route 99 and gives North State residents a new connection to Sacramento International Airport, Gold Runner and Capitol Corridor trains, as well as Sacramento Regional Transit at the Sacramento Valley Station. Riders can also connect to local transit in Redding and Red Bluff, and to Glenn Ride service to Chico via the Orland stop.
Additionally, Route 5 travelers can purchase bus-only tickets for all cities along the route. Making Thruway bus routes available to non-rail riders brings several benefits, including improved access to transit for underserved communities, reduced greenhouse gas and air pollution emissions by diverting trips previously taken by automobile, and better utilization of existing infrastructure.
“Route 5 delivers on a long-standing goal of connecting the North State to the Sacramento region,” said Chris Orlando, CEO of SJJPA. “This service gives North State residents a direct, reliable connection to Sacramento and the broader passenger rail network. The new connection is the result of strong coordination between our agencies and reflects what's possible when regional partners work together toward a shared goal.”
"Route 5 is the result of years of collaboration and a shared vision to improve regional mobility," said Zachary Bonnin, Interim Transit Manager for the Redding Area Bus Authority. "This new service gives North State residents a faster, more convenient connection to Sacramento, Sacramento International Airport, and California's passenger rail network, expanding access to jobs, education, healthcare, and travel opportunities. This has been a highly anticipated service for our community, and we're excited to see it become a reality."
“SRTA is pleased to finally see convenient and affordable interregional bus transportation along Interstate 5 come to fruition for the residents of Shasta County and the North State,” said Sean Tiedgen, Executive Director of the Shasta Regional Transportation Agency (SRTA). “Whether known as one part of the North State Intercity Bus System or the early promotional name – Salmon Runner – Route 5 delivers community-requested connections to larger urban destinations from the north state,” added Jennifer Pollom, Senior Transportation Planner with SRTA. “Route 5 makes it easier to reach the extraordinary beauty and recreational opportunities in Shasta County and better access for our north state neighbors to destinations and employment opportunities to the south, with many community members excited to see this service start.”
The launch of Route 5 is the culmination of a multi-year strategy dating back to 2017, when the SRTA and SJJPA began advancing plans for an I-5 express bus as part of the North State Intercity Bus System. In January 2024, SJJPA truncated Route 3 in Chico and enabled bus-only ticketing between Redding and Red Bluff, laying the groundwork for RABA to begin operating the Redding-Chico segment in August 2024 under agreements with Amtrak and SJJPA. That first phase allowed RABA to demonstrate service performance and prepare for the Redding-Sacramento route, including motorcoach acquisition. In April 2025, the North State Intercity Bus to Rail Plan was adopted by the SRTA Board, and the return of Gold Runner's seventh daily round-trip created the opportunity to advance the I-5 express connection now known as Route 5.
Ribbon-Cutting Celebration
SJJPA, RABA, and the Redding Chamber of Commerce will host a community ribbon-cutting celebration on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 8:15 a.m. at 1530 Yuba Street, Redding, CA 96001.
The event will bring together representatives from SJJPA, RABA, the City of Redding, the Redding Chamber of Commerce, regional transportation partners, community leaders, and local stakeholders to celebrate the official launch of the new Route 5 service.
The program will include brief remarks from agency and community representatives, a ceremonial ribbon cutting, information about Route 5 schedules and connections, and an opportunity for attendees to tour the new motorcoach and learn more about traveling between Redding, Sacramento International Airport, and Downtown Sacramento.
The event is open to members of the community, local organizations, transportation partners, and the media. For tickets, schedules, and booking information for Route 5, passengers can visit https://goldrunner.com/route-5/.
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About the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA)
Since July 2015, SJJPA has been responsible for the management and administration of Gold Runner, previously Amtrak San Joaquins. SJJPA is governed by Board Members representing each of the ten (10) Member Agencies along the 365-mile Gold Runner Corridor. For more information on SJJPA see www.sjjpa.com. Gold Runner is Amtrak’s 6th busiest route with 18 train stations throughout the Central Valley and Bay Area, providing a safe, comfortable and reliable way to travel throughout California. Gold Runner is currently running six daily round-trips. In addition to the train service, Gold Runner Thruway buses provide connecting service to 135 destinations in California and Nevada including Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Napa Valley, Las Vegas and Reno.
About the Redding Area Bus Authority (RABA)
Redding Area Bus Authority (RABA) is a joint powers agency formed by the City of Redding, the City of Shasta Lake, the City of Anderson, and Shasta County. RABA provides countywide public transportation through 10 fixed routes, five Runabout microtransit zones, and complementary ADA paratransit service. Through its partnership with Amtrak and the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA), RABA also offers intercity connections that link the North State to destinations throughout California.