Los Banos, CA (January 14, 2026) – A new Gold Runner Thruway bus route will soon provide direct service between Merced and San Jose, with a scheduled stop in Los Banos, according to a press release issued by the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA).
The new service, known as Route 40, is designed to expand travel options between the Central Valley and the Bay Area by linking Merced, Los Banos, and Gilroy with San Jose. SJJPA stated that the route is intended to improve access to employment centers, colleges, and regional transit connections for residents who rely on coordinated rail and bus travel.
Route 40 will operate as part of the Gold Runner Thruway bus system, which extends passenger rail service beyond station cities and connects riders to the broader intercity rail network. SJJPA said the new route strengthens links between growing Central Valley communities and Bay Area destinations.
In the press release, SJJPA Chief Executive Officer Chris Orlando said the expansion reflects ongoing efforts to improve regional connectivity. Orlando was appointed CEO of both SJJPA and the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission in early December.
The agency noted that the launch of Route 40 follows several recent service changes. In November, SJJPA introduced the Gold Runner brand, bringing its rail and Thruway bus services under a single identity. On December 8, the agency also restored a seventh daily Gold Runner round trip, returning service levels to their full pre-pandemic schedule for the first time since early 2020.
According to SJJPA, the restored service provides additional flexibility for riders traveling between Bakersfield, the San Joaquin Valley, and Sacramento.
Ticketing, schedules, and booking information for Route 40 are available through the Gold Runner website, at this link. https://goldrunner.com/route40/.
