San Marcos Capital Area Rural Transportation System

The City of San Marcos contracts with CARTS to provide public transportation for its residents on an as needed basis. Call 478-RIDE to schedule a ride (24 hour notice recommended).

The Capital Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS) delivers transportation tailored specifically for each of the one-hundred and twenty-three communities it serves, including San Marcos and Hays County. CARTS expanded their services in San Marcos to offer more benefits to their customers.  

Municipal Bus Service

The San Marcos CAT is a wheelchair-accessible fixed-route service provided for the citizens of San Marcos and its visitors. Hours of operation are Monday thru Friday 7am to 6pm. Major destinations include the Factory Outlet Malls, H.E.B., Wal-mart, Springtown Mall, The Playscape Park and many school campuses in the area.

Who Can Ride?

CARTS provides public transportation for everyone. All San Marcos residents are encouraged to take advantage of the expanded services.

How To Ride?

Board the bus at any CAT bus stop sign. To get off at your destination pull the stop request cord a block prior to your stop. If you are mobility impaired, the driver will assist you on and off the vehicle.

No food, beverages, smoking, loud music, profanity, disruptive behavior, flammable materials or animals (other than service animals) are permitted on the buses.

What Does it Cost?

• The fare is 50¢ to ride, exact change only. Escorted children five and under ride free. Persons with disabilities, seniors (sixty and over), elementary through high school students (school ID card required) may ride for 25¢. Multi-ride tickets relieves the rider from needing exact change; purchase $10 passes at the San Marcos Station.

  Persons with disabilities must fill-out an eligibility form to receive reduced fare.

Where can I go?

How do I schedule a ride?

Call 1-800-456-RIDE (7433)

• Rides are scheduled Monday thru Friday, from 7:00am to 4:00pm.
• 24-hours advance notice recommended.
• Local vehicles serve neighboring towns, so ride times may vary.
• Curb-to-Curb Services Reserved by Phone.
  Local and town-to-town routes are available.