Modesto Bus Schedule Guide for The S Routes, Maps, Stops & Live Times
Use this modesto bus schedule guide to find former MAX Modesto routes now operated by StanRTA as The S, including local fixed routes, commuter buses, route maps, live bus tracking, stop IDs, fares, BART commuter service, ACE commuter service, airport-area service and official rider tools.
Many riders still search for the MAX Modesto schedule, but Modesto Area Express and Stanislaus Regional Transit merged into the Stanislaus Regional Transit Authority. Today, the public bus system is branded as The S. For accurate schedules, use StanRTA’s official route pages and Track The S live bus tools.
✅ Quick Answer: Best Way to Find the MAX Modesto Bus Schedule Today
The fastest way to find the current modesto bus schedule is to use StanRTA’s official Routes & Schedules page. If you are searching for MAX Modesto, use The S / StanRTA resources because MAX and StaRT merged into StanRTA and the combined system is now branded as The S.
For live arrivals, use Track The S or the StanRTA myStop tools. For route maps, use the System and Detail Maps page. For passes, use the official Fares page or Token Transit. For commuter trips, check Route 70 for ACE, Route 80 for Stockton, Route 90 for BART Modesto and Route 100 for BART commuter service from Turlock/Patterson.
Use Routes 21–42 and other local route pages for Downtown Modesto, McHenry, Vintage Faire, MJC and neighborhoods.
Local RoutesUse Route 70 for ACE, Route 80 for Stockton and Route 90/100 for BART commuter service.
Commuter HelpUse Track The S for real-time bus locations, estimated arrivals, route status and rider alerts.
Live HelpUse Demand Response, ADA Paratransit and Dial-A-Ride resources for eligible rider support.
Access HelpModesto Bus Schedule Overview: MAX, StanRTA and The S
A modesto bus schedule search often shows old names, current names and third-party app results together. The important thing to know is that Modesto Area Express, commonly called MAX, is no longer the standalone public bus brand riders should rely on for current route planning. MAX and Stanislaus Regional Transit merged into the Stanislaus Regional Transit Authority, and the combined system is branded as The S.
That means an older “MAX Modesto schedule” may not be the safest source for a 2026 trip. The official StanRTA website is the correct source for current routes, maps, fares, passes, commuter buses, rider tools and demand-response services across Modesto and Stanislaus County.
The S network includes local Modesto routes, regional routes, express commuter service, BART commuter service, ACE commuter service, Stockton commuter service and demand response programs. Some routes run daily, some vary by weekday, Saturday or Sunday, and some commuter routes have limited trip patterns. Always open the specific route page before planning your trip.
Modesto Bus Routes: Local MAX-Style Routes, Regional Routes and Commuter Service
StanRTA’s official Routes & Schedules page lists the current route network. For many local Modesto riders, the most familiar routes are former MAX-style routes that connect Downtown Modesto Transit Center, Vintage Faire Mall, McHenry, MJC, Robertson Road, Carpenter Road, Crows Landing, Sylvan, Yosemite, airport-area neighborhoods and other key corridors.
Local Modesto Routes for Downtown, McHenry, Vintage Faire, MJC and Neighborhoods
Local Modesto route examples include Route 21 to Robertson Road, Route 22 toward McHenry/Vintage Faire Mall, Route 23 along McHenry, Route 24 toward Sylvan Avenue, Route 25 serving Orangeburg/Vintage Faire Mall and Modesto Amtrak area, Route 26 toward Carpenter Road, Route 29 toward Crows Landing/JFK Training Center, Route 30 serving Modesto Junior College East and Vintage Faire Mall, Route 31 serving MJC East/Tully/Pelandale and Vintage Faire Mall, Route 32 toward Mable Avenue, Route 33 toward Poust Road and MJC West, Route 36 toward Central Valley Plaza/Vintage Faire Mall, Route 37 toward Rumble Road/Vintage Faire Mall, Route 38 toward the Airport Neighborhood and Route 42 toward Tucson Avenue/Community Services Building.
Regional Stanislaus County Routes
The S also serves regional Stanislaus County trips. Route 10 connects Modesto and Turlock. Route 29T serves Modesto, Ceres, Keyes and Turlock. Route 40 connects Modesto, Grayson, Westley and Patterson. Route 45E and Route 45W serve Patterson, Turlock, Newman, Gustine and related regional travel. Route 60 connects Modesto, Riverbank and Oakdale. Route 61 serves Modesto, Empire, Waterford, Hickman, Hughson and Ceres.
Airport Neighborhood and Modesto City-County Airport Area
Route 38 is the key route to check for the Airport Neighborhood and stops near Metro / Modesto City-County Airport. Official Route 38 information says it travels between the Modesto Transit Center and the Airport Neighborhood via 9th, D Street, Yosemite, Empire, Monterey and Santa Cruz.
🏙️ Downtown Modesto Routes
Many local routes start, end or transfer at the Downtown Modesto Transit Center, so check the route bay and direction carefully.
🛍️ Vintage Faire and MJC Trips
Several routes connect to Vintage Faire Mall, Modesto Junior College and key shopping or school corridors.
🌾 Stanislaus County Links
Regional routes connect Modesto with Turlock, Ceres, Patterson, Oakdale, Riverbank and other communities.
Modesto Bus Live Times: Track The S, myStop and Real-Time Bus Tracker
For live arrival information, StanRTA provides Track The S tools. The official Real Time Bus Tracker page says riders can use the website to receive real-time bus locations and estimated arrival times. It also includes easy access to rider alerts and text or email notifications.
How to Use Track The S
Open the Track The S / InfoPoint tool, choose the route, select the direction and then pick your stop. If you already know the stop ID, use it to get stop-level departures faster. This is better than reading a route schedule alone because the live tracker can show whether the bus is on time, delayed or affected by a detour.
StanRTA myStop Mobile App
StanRTA myStop is listed as a real-time app that puts bus information, trip planning and mobile payment access in one place. It can show interactive location and schedule information for bus routes. Use it when you want route maps, live bus locations and arrival estimates from your phone.
Why Live Arrival Times Can Change
Live predictions can change because of road work, downtown traffic, school traffic, weather, rider boarding time, detours, equipment changes or missing vehicle data. If a bus disappears from the tracker, check official alerts and the next scheduled trip before assuming the route is canceled.
Modesto Bus Stops, Stop IDs, Transit Center Bays and Route Maps
Modesto bus stops can serve more than one route, especially around Downtown Modesto Transit Center, Vintage Faire Mall, MJC, Amtrak-area stops and regional transfer points. The route number, direction and stop ID are all important.
Downtown Modesto Transit Center
Downtown Modesto Transit Center is a major transfer hub for The S routes. Track The S stop pages show stop-level departures from individual bays, including route directions. If you are transferring, check the bay, route number and direction before boarding.
System and Detail Maps
StanRTA’s System and Detail Maps page is useful when you do not know the route number yet. Use the system map to identify likely routes, then open the individual route page to confirm schedule details and stop direction.
Stop ID and Direction Matter
A stop across the street may serve the opposite direction. A transit center may have multiple bays for the same route family. Use the official stop selector or posted stop ID when checking live arrivals.
- Confirm the route number before using a Modesto bus schedule.
- Choose weekday, Saturday or Sunday where the route page offers separate schedules.
- Use the stop ID or transit center bay for live departures.
- Check rider alerts before relying on a transfer or commuter connection.
- Use official maps if you are choosing between local, regional and commuter routes.
Modesto Bus Fares, Passes, Tickets and Token Transit
StanRTA fare information lists ticket and pass purchase options for fixed route and commuter riders. Passes can be purchased at the Downtown Modesto Transit Center Customer Service Office, and fixed-route and commuter fares can be purchased through Token Transit. Regular 1-day, 7-day and 31-day passes are also listed through official fare resources.
Fixed Route Passes
StanRTA fixed-route pass pages list regular and half-fare pass categories. Half-fare eligibility can include seniors, persons with disabilities, Medicare card holders and veterans according to official pass information. Riders should check the current StanRTA fare page before buying because prices, eligibility and purchase locations can change.
Commuter Fare Products
Commuter routes such as BART commuter service may use separate commuter fare products. Token Transit lists fare descriptions such as All Day, 7 Day, 31 Day, BART Commuter One Day and BART Commuter 31 Day products. Check the exact route and fare product before purchasing.
Free vs Paid Information
Route schedules, maps, Track The S and rider-alert tools are free to view online. Riding a fixed route, commuter route, demand response or ADA service may require a valid fare, pass, ticket or eligibility approval.
✅ Free to Check
Route schedules, maps, live bus tracking, trip planning tools, stop selectors and service information are free to view online.
💳 Paid to Ride
Most fixed-route, commuter and demand-response trips require a valid fare, pass, ticket, Token Transit product or eligibility-based fare.
Modesto Commuter Routes: BART, ACE, Stockton and Regional Connections
Commuter routes are different from local routes. They may run fewer trips, focus on commute windows and connect to rail or regional transit centers. Always check the route page, direction and service day before relying on a commuter bus.
Route 70 ACE Commuter
Route 70 connects Modesto riders with the ACE train corridor through Lathrop/Manteca-area service. Use the official route page if your trip depends on a train connection, because a missed bus can also mean a missed train.
Route 90 BART Modesto
Route 90 is the BART Modesto commuter route. Official route information shows trips between Downtown Transit Center, Mall Park & Ride / interchange-area stops and Dublin/Pleasanton BART Station. Weekday, Saturday and Sunday schedules can differ, so check the exact service day.
Route 100 BART Commuter
Route 100 is a BART commuter route serving Turlock and Patterson connections to Dublin/Pleasanton BART. It is not the same as Route 90 Modesto, so verify your origin before selecting a BART commuter schedule.
Route 80 Stockton Commuter
Route 80 serves commuter travel between Modesto, Manteca and Stockton. Use this route page when your destination is Stockton Transit Center or an intermediate commuter stop.
Modesto Bus Hours, Weekend Service and Holiday Schedule
StanRTA’s Hours of Operation page says route timing varies and riders should see schedules for specific timing. That means there is no single universal “Modesto bus starts at” answer for every route. Route 21, Route 38, Route 90 and Route 100 may have different service spans and patterns.
Weekday, Saturday and Sunday Schedules
Many route pages separate weekday, Saturday and Sunday schedules. Some routes may run frequently during weekdays, less often on weekends or only on certain days. Before leaving, open the route page and choose the correct service day.
Major Holidays With No Fixed Route or Commuter Service
StanRTA lists no fixed-route or commuter bus service on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Check current holiday notices if your trip is near a holiday weekend.
Service Alerts and Temporary Changes
Route timing can be affected by detours, stop closures, special events, weather, road work or school traffic. Track The S can show live bus location and rider alerts, so use it before a time-sensitive trip.
Modesto ADA Paratransit, Demand Response and Dial-A-Ride Help
StanRTA provides Demand Response services, including ADA Paratransit, Dial-A-Ride and Medivan-related resources. These services are different from fixed-route buses and usually require eligibility, reservations or advance planning.
ADA Paratransit
ADA Paratransit is for eligible riders who are unable to use the fixed-route bus system because of disability. StanRTA’s demand-response resources list ADA Paratransit information and customer service support.
Demand Response Customer Service
StanRTA’s Demand Response page lists customer service at 1001 9th Street, Modesto, CA 95354 and phone 209-527-4900. It also notes that reservations close at 5:00 p.m. Use official contact channels for current reservation rules and eligibility questions.
When to Use Demand Response Instead of a Fixed Route
If you cannot reach a fixed-route stop, cannot navigate a transfer, require door-to-door service or need ADA paratransit support, do not rely only on local bus route maps. Check the official Demand Response and ADA Paratransit pages first.
MAX Modesto Schedule Confusion: Old MAX Pages vs Current The S Routes
The biggest problem with the phrase MAX Modesto schedule is that many riders still use the old name. Search results can show old MAX references, third-party app data, current StanRTA pages and unofficial schedule copies. This can cause riders to click the wrong source.
MAX Is the Old Name Many Riders Still Use
MAX was the familiar Modesto Area Express brand. After the merger, the current official route system is StanRTA / The S. If you see “MAX” on a route description, verify it through StanRTA before treating it as current.
The S Is the Current Official System Brand
The current official source for Modesto schedules is StanRTA. The route pages, Track The S, fares, demand response and system maps are the resources that should control final trip planning.
Third-Party Apps Can Help but Should Not Be Final
Moovit, Transit, map apps and other tools can be useful for discovery. But if they disagree with StanRTA’s official route page, live tracker or alert page, use the official StanRTA source first.
Step-by-Step: How to Check a Modesto Bus Schedule Correctly
- Start with StanRTA routes Open the official Routes & Schedules page instead of relying on an old MAX schedule copy.
- Choose the route number Select the local, regional or commuter route that matches your origin and destination.
- Pick the correct service day Check weekday, Saturday, Sunday or holiday service details on the individual route page.
- Confirm direction and stop Use the route map, stop ID, transit center bay or stop selector to avoid boarding the wrong direction.
- Check live arrivals Use Track The S or StanRTA myStop for current bus location, estimated arrival and stop-level information.
- Review fare and pass rules Check StanRTA fares, fixed-route passes, commuter passes or Token Transit before paying.
- Read alerts before leaving Look for detours, stop closures, service changes and holiday notices before a time-sensitive trip.
Official Modesto Bus Schedule Links and Trusted StanRTA Resources
Use these official links for Modesto bus schedules, route maps, live arrivals, fares, commuter services, demand response and rider help.
Modesto Bus Schedule Map for Routes, Stops and Live Times
This guide includes a safe Google Maps search for Modesto bus schedule. Use it for general route and stop discovery, then verify exact schedules, stop IDs, maps, live arrivals, fares and alerts with official StanRTA resources.
Frequently Asked Questions About Modesto Bus Schedule
🚌 How do I find the official Modesto bus schedule?
Use StanRTA’s official Routes & Schedules page. MAX Modesto is an older name many riders still use, but current service is operated by StanRTA as The S.
🔁 Is MAX Modesto still the current bus name?
MAX was Modesto Area Express. MAX and StaRT merged into the Stanislaus Regional Transit Authority, and the combined system is branded as The S. Use StanRTA pages for current schedules.
⏱️ How do I track a Modesto bus live?
Use Track The S or StanRTA myStop. These tools show real-time bus location, estimated arrival times, route information, stop selections and rider alerts where available.
📍 Where is the main Modesto bus transfer center?
Downtown Modesto Transit Center is a key transfer point for many routes. Use the route page or Track The S to confirm the bay, direction and stop-level departure information.
🚉 Does Modesto have a bus to BART?
Yes. Route 90 is the BART Modesto commuter route to Dublin/Pleasanton BART. Route 100 is a separate BART commuter service serving Turlock and Patterson connections. Check the official schedule before travel.
🚆 Is there a Modesto bus to ACE train service?
Yes. Route 70 is the ACE commuter route. Use the official Route 70 schedule and live tracking tools if your trip depends on a train connection.
✈️ Which Modesto bus serves the airport area?
Route 38 serves the Airport Neighborhood and stops near the Metro / Modesto City-County Airport area. Check the official Route 38 page for current times and stop details.
📅 Do Modesto buses run on holidays?
StanRTA lists no fixed-route or commuter service on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Check official hours and alerts near holiday weekends.
💳 Where can I buy Modesto bus passes?
StanRTA fare pages list pass purchase options, including the Downtown Modesto Transit Center Customer Service Office, Token Transit and other official options. Check the current fare page before buying.
♿ Does Modesto have ADA paratransit?
Yes. StanRTA provides Demand Response resources, including ADA Paratransit, Dial-A-Ride and related customer service support. Eligibility and reservation rules should be verified directly with StanRTA.
⚠️ Why do I see different MAX Modesto schedules online?
Search results may show old MAX references, third-party app data and current StanRTA pages. Use official StanRTA route pages and Track The S as the final source for current travel.
ℹ️ Is BusSchedules.org the official StanRTA website?
No. BusSchedules.org is an independent informational guide. Always verify exact routes, fares, schedules, stops, alerts, live arrivals and accessibility details directly with StanRTA.
Editorial note: This guide is for public information only and is not StanRTA, The S, the City of Modesto, Stanislaus County, BART, ACE, Token Transit or any official transportation operator. Modesto routes, fares, stops, schedules, commuter trips, live arrivals, pass rules, ADA eligibility, holiday service and rider alerts can change. Always verify directly with official StanRTA resources before commuting, buying a pass, making a transfer or planning a time-sensitive trip.
Final Summary: Best Way to Use the Modesto Bus Schedule
The best way to use a modesto bus schedule is to start with StanRTA’s official Routes & Schedules page, not an old MAX schedule copy. The current system is The S, and its route pages are the safest source for local, regional and commuter bus planning.
For live arrivals, use Track The S or StanRTA myStop. For maps, use the System and Detail Maps page. For fares, use StanRTA’s official fare pages or Token Transit. For commuter trips, check the exact route page for Route 70 ACE, Route 80 Stockton, Route 90 BART Modesto or Route 100 BART commuter service.
For important trips, check the route schedule, stop ID, direction, live tracker and holiday or alert page together. Do not rely only on a third-party app, screenshot or old MAX result when StanRTA publishes the official current information.