San Joaquin County transit buses are now smoke free environments.

On Nov. 13, 2015, the San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD) Board of Directors approved the adoption of a new Smoke and Tobacco-Free Policy. This policy took effect as of Jan. 1, 2016.

The policy, which applies to all persons on RTD property, expands RTD’s smoking ban to the use of all smoke and tobacco-related products in RTD interior and exterior areas, this includes at or within 20 feet of all transit facilities and bus stops, as well as on or within 20 feet of all transit buses and vehicles used, owned, or operated by RTD.

“RTD is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our employees, our customers, and our community,” said Donna DeMartino, General Manager/CEO of RTD. “The Smoke and Tobacco-Free Policy supports this commitment by reducing exposure to secondhand smoke and tobacco waste products.”

San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD) is the regional transit provider for San Joaquin County, with service in Escalon on a regular basis as well, with fixed routes and dial-a-ride services.

RTD will operate on a reduced scheduled on Monday, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with a Saturday/Sunday schedule in effect and the Downtown Transit Center and administrative offices closed.

Saturday/Sunday service schedule in effect on Monday, Jan. 18 will include: Metro Express Routes 40, 43 and 44 in addition to Weekend Routes 710, 715, 720, 725 and 745; County Fixed Routes 723 and 797; Stockton Metropolitan Area American Disability Act Dial-A-Ride and Countywide Rural General Public Dial-A-Ride.

Normal routes resume Tuesday, Jan. 19.