Spring 2026 Newsletter

Smart Cards to Replace GenFare Paper Passes

Building a Better B-Line with Smart Cards!

Big changes are coming to B-Line this spring. We're upgrading our fare equipment on all buses, and by June 15, the way you pay your fare will look different. Our current GenFare fareboxes are being replaced with new equipment. There are no changes to the current fare structure, but this means the current paper passes with magnetic stripes will no longer work. Instead, you'll have three easy ways to pay.



1. Token Transit App - Best for smartphone users. Download the free Token Transit app from your phone's app store. Buy fares directly from your phone and scan when you board. No need for exact change or physical cards.
2. Smart Cards - Best for everyone else. Smart Cards are reloadable plastic cards with a QR code. Get yours at the Chico Transit Center or our customer service office. Reload online, by phone, or in person. One card works for all your rides.
3. Cash - Still accepted! Our new Diamond fareboxes accept bills and coins, just like before. Exact change only - no change given.

Getting Your Smart Card

Smart Cards are currently available now at the BCAG and B-Line offices at 326 Huss Drive in Chico:

• B-Line Customer Service Office - Suite #125 - M-F - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• BCAG Office - Suite #150 - M-F - 9 am to 3 pm

More locations to take care of Smart Cards will be added soon!

Exchanging Old Paper Passes

Old paper passes can be exchanged for a Smart Card with the passes loaded for you. You can visit the offices on Huss Drive or mail the pass you want exchanged to the same address. Old passes will also be able to be loaded on to the Token Transit app, if you use that. Please call (530) 809-4616 for more information on how to complete an exchange.

Reloading Your Smart Card

Once you have a Smart Card, you can add fares three ways:

1. In person at either location above
2. By phone (530-809-4616) - You will need to provide the code on the back of your card.
3. Online at rider.tokentransit.com

What to expect during the transition

Between now and June 15, B-Line buses will temporarily have different equipment combinations as we complete the upgrade. Drivers are aware of this and are happy to help you navigate the appropriate way to pay your fare. You might see:

• Old GenFare fareboxes (paper passes still work here)
• New Diamond fareboxes and Token Transit validators (Token Transit, Smart Cards, or cash only)
• Both old and new equipment on the same bus

Questions? Call us at 530-809-4616 or stop by the Huss Drive offices in Chico. Our staff can help you get a Smart Card, download Token Transit, or answer any questions.

Thank you for riding B-Line!

We know change takes time, and we appreciate

your patience as we upgrade to serve you better.

Upcoming Launch of Chico-To-Sacramento Service

B-Line continues to make progress on launching a new intercity bus service between Chico and Sacramento. Buses for the service are ordered and on the way! These include six 36‑foot vehicles with luggage space, bike racks, USB charging ports, and Wi‑Fi. Buses are expected to arrive in about 8–10 months.

At the same time, staff have been meeting with a wide range of partners, including nearby transit agencies, regional planning organizations, and Caltrans. All of these groups have expressed strong support for the project and are helping ensure the service connects smoothly with other transportation options. Coordination will continue over the next several months as staff work through required agreements and finalize the service schedule.

Public outreach and marketing is planned to start about three months before the service launches so riders know what to expect and how to use the new route.

For updates on the study please visit the BCAG website: https://www.bcag.org/chico-to-sacramento-plan

Upcoming Joint Workshop for FTIP & PPP

Wednesday, 4/8/26 - 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

An open-house style workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, 2026 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. This workshop will cover topics related to both the 2027 FTIP Development and the 2026 PPP update. Any community members interested in learning more about the process or upcoming projects are encouraged to participate.

Please visit the FTIP (https://www.bcag.org/ftip) or PPP (https://www.bcag.org/public-participation-plan) information pages or contact Ivan Garcia for more information (igarcia@bcag.org). The workshop can be accessed via the following Zoom Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88637765822

2027 FTIP Development

Butte County Association of Governments (BCAG) has initiated the development of the 2027 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) and has issued a call for new Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) projects. The FTIP identifies all transportation projects in the region that have federal transportation funds or require approval from FHWA or FTA. 

The FTIP will cover the next 4 federal fiscal years beginning October 1, 2026. BCAG has issued a target of $10 million for new CMAQ project consideration. CMAQ applications are due no later than April 17, 2026. 

The FTIP is scheduled for adoption on August 27, 2026.

2026 PPP Update

BCAG is also required to review and update its Public Participation Plan (PPP) in advance of developing the 2028 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS). The PPP reflects current state and federal guidance and outlines how BCAG will carry out public outreach and engagement. All work is conducted through BCAG’s Board of Directors and Transportation Advisory Committee. The current PPP and the draft 2026 update are available on BCAG’s website.