Award supports weekend shuttle that enhances visitor access, eases parking strain in Historic District
The Folsom Historic District Association (FHDA) is among 21 nonprofit recipients of SMUD’s 2024 Shine grants, securing $30,000 in funding that will directly support the district’s free weekend shuttle program — a growing service that’s become vital to both visitors and nearby residents navigating Folsom’s Historic District.
Now in its eighth year, SMUD’s Shine program awarded more than $532,000 this year to community organizations that align with the utility’s mission of supporting a clean energy future and environmental equity. For Folsom, the grant provides a much-needed boost to the FHDA shuttle, which runs every Friday and Saturday evening, offering convenient rides between parking areas, Sutter Street destinations, and throughout the entire Historic District, while helping reduce traffic congestion and neighborhood overflow.
“The Shine award is a game-changer for the shuttle,” said Karen Holmes, Immediate Past President of the Folsom Historic District Association. “This program serves thousands of riders annually, and without reliable funding, we couldn’t keep it going at the level of service the community expects and deserves.”
According to Holmes, the shuttle service operates 104 nights a year, averaging around 16,000 riders annually. “It was 16,000 the first year, virtually 16,000 both years. And that’s just on Friday and Saturday nights,” she noted. “That tells you how important and popular this service has become.”
The FHDA shuttle was originally funded through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, but when that grant ended, the association faced an uphill climb to maintain operations. Several local businesses stepped in to provide financial support but there was still much more needed, according to Holmes. The SMUD Shine award helps the program shift into forward gear, though it does require a 50% match that Holmes said is already in the works.
FHDA’s board unanimously approved a $15,000 match to secure the grant, and additional avenues of support are being explored to meet the total $75,000 annual operating cost. “The board was united on this — we knew we had to continue this service. It benefits visitors, it benefits our businesses, and it benefits our neighbors,” Holmes said.
One of the biggest challenges the district faces is parking, especially on busy weekend evenings. The shuttle program encourages visitors to use city parking garages or the light rail parking lot, instead of residential streets, with the shuttle providing free, convenient transportation directly into the heart of the district.
“In our very immediate neighborhood, when you talk about residents, it’s been really convenient for them,” said Holmes. “Instead of driving down the hill and taking up parking spots, they can call the shuttle, we’ll pick them up, take them to dinner, and bring them back home afterward.”
The shuttle service operates two vehicles each night. “The first shuttle comes on at 5 and runs until about 8:30 or sometimes 9,” Holmes explained. “The second shuttle comes on at 6 and goes until 10:30.”
Technology has also improved the experience. FHDA introduced a ride-hailing app that functions similarly to Uber or Lyft. Riders can see the shuttle’s location in real time and request pickups directly from their smartphones. “What’s interesting is that the app usage has gone from a measly eight percent to about 50 percent,” Holmes said. “One of our drivers told me just last weekend that about half his riders were now using the app.”
And there’s an added incentive to using it. “The benefit is, the app gives priority to those people who use it,” she added. “That’s absolutely true.”
App-based rides are helping streamline the system and offer riders peace of mind. “Just like Uber or Lyft, when you ask the app to come and pick you up, you can see the little shuttle car moving toward you. It reassures people.”
Holmes emphasized that the shuttle’s value extends beyond convenience — it contributes to a more sustainable, accessible, and community-focused experience in Folsom’s Historic District. “It reduces parking pressure, it supports our local businesses, and it keeps the district more enjoyable for everyone.”
SMUD CEO and General Manager Paul Lau praised this year’s Shine award recipients for their alignment with SMUD’s long-term goals for community empowerment and clean energy. “Our Shine program empowers our region’s nonprofits to make meaningful change in our communities that will benefit the entire region for generations to come,” Lau said.
To learn more about the SMUD Shine program and this year’s recipients, visit smud.org. To keep up with happenings in Folsom’s Historic District visit www.historicfolsom.org, or check out the Folsom Times Community Calendar where you can find their events and others.
In addition to the shuttle service funded by the FHDA and area businesses, Powerhouse Entertainment also continues to provide its shuttle rides to assist with the flow of visitors to the district , especially during the busy entertainment evenings and events, in addition to the FHDA funded program.
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