A temporary commuter express bus service started after landslides from the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake closed Highway 17 . At this time the route spanned from Scotts Valley to Santa Clara . In response to the needs of a loyal group of riders , Santa Cruz Metro continued the service after Highway 17 reopened . When service was consolidated with Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach in 2004 , the route was extended to the metro center in downtown Santa Cruz and service expanded to 365 days a year . Caltrans anticipated a ridership of 7,000 riders per month at the end of 2004 . In December 2007 , free wifi service was added to all Highway 17 Express buses . In February 2015 , Santa Cruz Metro reported 31,102 total riders , 1,239 on the average weekday , for Highway 17 Express
1989 Loma Prieta earthquake
1989 Loma Prieta earthquake
Highway 17 Express