Sunline Transit Agency
SunLine Transit Agency is a Joint Powers Authority, founded in 1977, that operates multi-modal public transit — fixed-route bus, paratransit, microtransit, and regional commuter service — across nine Coachella Valley cities and Riverside County, using a 100% alternative-fuel fleet.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1977
- HeadquartersThousand Palms, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Sunline Transit Agency does
SunLine Transit Agency is a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) established in 1977 and headquartered at 32-505 Harry Oliver Trail, Thousand Palms, California, that provides public transportation services across the nine cities of the Coachella Valley and Riverside County. The agency operates a multi-modal mobility network consisting of SunBus (10 local fixed routes plus one regional route serving Desert Hot Springs to North Shore), SunDial ADA-compliant paratransit, SunRide on-demand microtransit across 8 zones, the 10 Commuter Link regional service connecting the Coachella Valley to San Bernardino and CSUSB, and a Taxi Regulatory Administration that oversees and sets maximum fares for local taxi operators.
The agency operates a 100% alternative-fuel fleet with over 40% of vehicles being zero-emission through hydrogen fuel cell and electric technology, and publishes GTFS schedule data for developer integration. Distribution channels include direct service delivery, third-party mobile apps (Transit App, Token Transit, SunRide App, Flywheel), physical pass outlets across the valley, and educational-institution partnerships (Haul Pass with Desert Sands USD, Palm Springs USD, College of the Desert, and CSUSB Palm Desert Campus; School Tripper service). Intermodal connections to Metrolink, Omnitrans, and RTA extend the network into the broader Inland Empire.
Revenue is generated primarily through passenger fares (transaction-based pricing ranging from $0.50 for seniors/disabled to $6.00 for adult regional trips, plus day/month/10-ride passes), taxi regulation/licensing fees via SunLine Services Group, and government grants and member contributions from the nine member cities and Riverside County. The agency is governed by a board with representatives from each member entity and is currently mid-execution on "Rides Reimagined," a multi-phase systemwide service redesign led by Jarrett Walker + Associates and Kearns & West.
Sunline Transit Agency firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Sunline Transit Agency
- Legal name
- SunLine Transit Agency
- Website
- https://sunline.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1977
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- SunLine Transit Agency is a Joint Powers Authority, founded in 1977, that operates multi-modal public transit — fixed-route bus, paratransit, microtransit, and regional commuter service — across nine Coachella Valley cities and Riverside County, using a 100% alternative-fuel fleet.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Sunline Transit Agency industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Public Transit Services
- NAICS
- Bus and Other Motor Vehicle Transit Systems (485113), Interurban and Rural Bus Transportation (48521), Special Needs Transportation (485991), School and Employee Bus Transportation (485410)
- SIC
- Local & Suburban Transit & Interurban Hwy Passenger Trans (4100)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Park-and-Ride / Express Commuter Bus Operators (TLAFAGAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Last-Mile On-Demand Feeder to Transit (First/Last-Mile Providers) (THAIAGAJ), Fueling, Charging & Energy Management (Diesel/CNG/H2/EV) (THAIANAF)
Keywords
Where Sunline Transit Agency is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Thousand Palms
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Sunline Transit Agency business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- SunBus Fixed Route Fares: Passenger fares collected on 10 local routes and 1 regional route. Revenue from single rides, day passes, 10-ride passes, and 31-day passes across adult, youth, and senior/disabled categories.
- SunDial Paratransit Fares: Origin-to-destination paratransit service fares based on distance traveled within or between cities.
- SunRide Microtransit Fares: $3.00 per person per trip for on-demand microtransit service in designated zones with free transfer to SunBus.
- 10 Commuter Link Fares: Regional commuter service between Coachella Valley and San Bernardino with single rides, day passes, and monthly passes.
- Taxi Regulation Fees: SunLine Regulatory Administration sets maximum taxi fares and regulates taxi businesses in Coachella Valley.
- Haul Pass Program Revenue: Free transportation program for high school and college students through partnerships with educational institutions.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Adult Single Ride - $1.00 |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Youth Fares - Reduced rates |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Senior/Disabled - Reduced fares |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | SunRide Microtransit - $3.00 per trip |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | 10 Commuter Link - Regional Route |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | SunDial Paratransit - Distance-based |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels8 records
Marketing channels10 records
Sunline Transit Agency product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SunLine Transit Agency operates a multi-modal public transportation system across the Coachella Valley, anchored by SunBus fixed-route bus service (10 local routes and one regional route), with supporting services SunRide on-demand microtransit, SunDial ADA paratransit, the 10 Commuter Link regional service, regulated taxi services, and student programs including the Haul Pass and School Tripper. The fleet operates on 100% alternative fuels with more than 40% zero-emission vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cell and electric technology.
Product overview
Sunline Transit Agency operates a multi-modal public transit system serving the Coachella Valley through several integrated services. The core offering is SunBus, a fixed-route bus network of 10 local routes and one regional route (10 Commuter Link) serving Desert Hot Springs to North Shore. Supporting services include SunRide, an on-demand microtransit service in eight zones, and SunDial Paratransit for persons with disabilities. Additional offerings include regulated Taxi Services with a subsidized Taxi Voucher Program, School Tripper service during academic hours, and the Haul Pass program providing free transit for students. The agency also provides GTFS data for developer integration. All SunBus vehicles operate on 100% alternative fuels with over 40% being zero-emission.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- SunBus: Fixed route bus network comprised of 10 local routes and one regional route throughout the Coachella Valley
- SunRide
- SunDial
- 10 Commuter Link
- Taxi Voucher Program
- Haul Pass
Products and services
- SunBus Fixed Route Service Fixed-route bus service operating 10 local routes and one regional route throughout the Coachella Valley on a 100% alternative fuels fleet (over 40% zero-emission). Serves general public riders for daily transportation needs including commuting, shopping, and leisure travel.
- SunRide Microtransit On-demand rideshare microtransit service available in eight Coachella Valley zones, providing first- and last-mile connections to the fixed route network. Bookable through mobile app or phone at $3 per person per trip with free transfer to SunBus Routes 1-9.
- SunDial Paratransit Shared origin-to-destination paratransit service for individuals whose disabilities prevent them from independently using SunBus fixed-route service. Operates within 3/4 mile of SunBus routes with distance-based fares ($1.50 within one city, $2.00 across multiple cities).
- 10 Commuter Link Weekday regional bus service connecting the Coachella Valley to San Bernardino with stops at CSUSB Palm Desert Campus, Beaumont, and San Bernardino Transit Center. Features WiFi, USB ports, and extra legroom; offers single ride, day pass, and 30-day pass fares with intermodal transfers to Metrolink and Omnitrans.
- Taxi Services (Regulated) Taxi services in the Coachella Valley regulated by SunLine Regulatory Administration, which sets maximum fare rates and oversees taxi businesses including City Cab, Coachella Valley Taxi, and Palm Springs Taxi Service.
- Taxi Voucher Program
Quantifiable outcome
- 1,930 community members participated in Phase 1 planning survey for Rides Reimagined
Companies that use Sunline Transit Agency
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Sunline Transit Agency technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration6 records
Feature3 records
Sunline Transit Agency partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB)corePartnership for 10 Commuter Link regional transit service between Coachella Valley and CSUSB main campus. CSUSB students and staff receive free or subsidized fares with valid university ID. Service includes stops at CSUSB Palm Desert Campus and CSUSB main campus in San Bernardino.
- MetrolinkcoreIntermodal connection allowing SunLine 10 Commuter Link riders to transfer to Metrolink regional rail service. One-way Metrolink tickets provide free SunLine bus rides from San Bernardino station.
- OmnitranscoreIntermodal connection at San Bernardino Transit Center allowing transfers between SunLine 10 Commuter Link and Omnitrans bus routes. Free transfers between passes on connecting services.
- Riverside Transit Authority (RTA)minorConnection at Beaumont for RTA Route 31 and Commuter Link Express 200. Transfer fare top-up arrangements between SunLine and RTA services.
- Token TransitcoreMobile app partnership allowing riders to purchase SunLine passes digitally. Supports contactless fare payment and pass management.
- Transit AppcorePartnership for real-time bus tracking, trip planning, and busy time indicators. SunLine data integrated into Transit app for customer convenience.
- Jarrett Walker + AssociatescoreTransit planning consultant for SunLine: Rides Reimagined system redesign initiative. Responsible for developing conceptual network designs balancing ridership vs coverage priorities.
- Kearns & WestcoreCommunity engagement partner for SunLine: Rides Reimagined initiative. Manages community outreach, public meetings, and stakeholder input processes.
- Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC)minorCo-owner/operator of IE511.org website and phone service providing Inland Empire traffic and transportation information including SunLine services.
- San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG)minorCo-owner/operator of IE511.org website and phone service providing Inland Empire traffic and transportation information including SunLine services.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves2 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Sunline Transit Agency competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Long Beach Transit: Municipal transit agency operating fixed-route bus and paratransit in Long Beach and surrounding communities. Comparable California city-level transit operator with similar service portfolio and fare philosophy.
- Antelope Valley Transit Authority: Regional transit authority serving northern Los Angeles County with fixed-route and paratransit. Highly comparable as a regional California JPA-style transit operator with similar scope and rider profile to SunLine.
- Riverside Transit Agency: Operates fixed-route bus, paratransit, and microtransit services across western Riverside County, California. Direct peer as a neighboring California transit agency with similar service mix, fare structure, and partnerships with SunLine (transfer agreements via Beaumont).
- Omnitrans: Public transit agency serving San Bernardino Valley with fixed-route bus, paratransit, and microtransit. Direct peer given shared intermodal connection at the San Bernardino Transit Center and overlapping service categories (fixed route + paratransit + on-demand).
- Santa Monica Big Blue Bus: Municipal transit operator serving Santa Monica and the western Los Angeles basin. Comparable California municipal transit agency with similar fixed-route and paratransit services and a comparable mid-size employee base.
- Foothill Transit: Public transit bus operator serving the San Gabriel and Pomona valleys in Los Angeles County. Comparable California municipal/regional bus operator with similar fleet composition, fare structure, and route-network profile.
Emerging players
- Via Transportation: Technology company powering on-demand microtransit and paratransit for transit agencies. Relevant as an emerging player whose software platform competes with and supports SunRide-style microtransit deployments like SunLine's.
Broad incumbents
- Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA): Larger Southern California county transportation commission that operates bus, paratransit, and freeway services. Comparable as a broader incumbent in the same California public transit space, with overlapping fixed-route and paratransit capabilities.
- Metrolink: Southern California regional commuter rail system. Already a partner of SunLine for 10 Commuter Link transfers; relevant as a broader regional passenger transport incumbent that interacts with SunLine's regional service.
Others
- Transit App: Multi-modal transit trip-planning app integrated with SunLine via GTFS data. Comparable as a technology ecosystem participant that depends on and distributes SunLine's transit data, with similar rider-facing positioning.
Market position
Strengths1 record
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks3 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Sunline Transit Agency social profiles
Digital presenceSunline Transit Agency financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Sunline Transit Agency leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Sunline Transit Agency subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Sunline Transit Agency funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Sunline Transit Agency M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Sunline Transit Agency
What does Sunline Transit Agency do?
SunLine Transit Agency operates a multi-modal public transportation system across the Coachella Valley, anchored by SunBus fixed-route bus service (10 local routes and one regional route), with supporting services SunRide on-demand microtransit, SunDial ADA paratransit, the 10 Commuter Link regional service, regulated taxi services, and student programs including the Haul Pass and School Tripper. The fleet operates on 100% alternative fuels with more than 40% zero-emission vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cell and electric technology.
Is Sunline Transit Agency a public or private company?
Sunline Transit Agency is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Sunline Transit Agency founded?
Sunline Transit Agency was founded in 1977. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Sunline Transit Agency based?
Sunline Transit Agency is headquartered in Thousand Palms, United States, in the North America region.
How does Sunline Transit Agency make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. SunBus Fixed Route Fares are the primary driver. The others are sunDial Paratransit Fares, sunRide Microtransit Fares, 10 Commuter Link Fares, taxi Regulation Fees and haul Pass Program Revenue.
Who are Sunline Transit Agency's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Long Beach Transit, Antelope Valley Transit Authority, Riverside Transit Agency, Omnitrans, Santa Monica Big Blue Bus and Foothill Transit. Via Transportation is listed as an emerging player. Broad incumbents are Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and Metrolink. Transit App is listed as an others.
Does Sunline Transit Agency have an API?
Yes. SunLine offers GTFS (General Transit Feed Specification) data feed for developers. The data includes all stops, routes, trips, scheduled info, and geographic data for the system. The feed is available for download at http://infopoint.sunline.org/InfoPoint/gtfs-zip.ashx and is updated regularly. Developer documentation is at infopoint.sunline.org/InfoPoint/gtfs-zip.ashx.
What industry is Sunline Transit Agency in?
Sunline Transit Agency's product category is Public Transit Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLAFAGAF, Park-and-Ride / Express Commuter Bus Operators, with a secondary code of THAIAGAJ, Last-Mile On-Demand Feeder to Transit (First/Last-Mile Providers). Its NAICS code is 485113 and its SIC code is 4100.