For those new to the area or planning a visit to Gainesville, traditional transit options plus sustainable alternatives are available for all ages.
From fully electric buses that are part of the Gainesville Regional Transit System fleet to electric scooters and microtransit, to bike lanes and dedicated trails, Gainesville provides convenient ways to travel and navigate the city.
To encourage a mobile population, City of Gainesville leaders prioritize pedestrian and driver safety, support policies that regulate safe, efficient transit options and work to build an equitable and sustainable community. One of the City’s newest pilot programs consists of a fleet of shared mobility devices: e-scooters for short-term rental.
Gainesville Regional Transit System Buses
In addition, RTS expects to add its fourth battery-electric bus into passenger service in 2022. Each electric bus is powered by an electric drive train and six onboard batteries. A new one-year pilot program, paid for by the City and Alachua County, provides free bus rides for passengers ages 65 and older and 18 and younger.
There are two main bus transfer stations in Gainesville: one adjacent to Depot Park downtown and the other located at Butler Plaza shopping center. The City expects to add another in East Gainesville, extending the east-west corridor along University Avenue, a main thoroughfare.
In the fall, RTS offers park-and-ride opportunities to Florida football fans from six locations to the University of Florida campus.
To make plans using RTS, visit go-rts.com or download the GNVRideRTS app for information about bus routes, stops and destinations.
Cycling
For bicycle enthusiasts, dedicated bike lanes parallel streets throughout the city. For long scenic rides, visit the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail with its 16 miles of paved path beginning at Boulware Springs Park and stretching all the way south to the town of Hawthorne.
On Gainesville’s west side, the Archer Braid Trail offers a 6-mile stretch to the city of Archer.
Gainesville has adopted safe and sustainable transportation alternatives to help alleviate traffic congestion, enable access to popular mobility options and keep neighbors and visitors safe.