Route 12 is officially up and running, offering $0 transit between Between 601 N Walton Blvd and 411 S Walton Blvd. As a new addition to Ozark Regional Transit’s network, Route 12 provides a convenient way for employees and the public to travel between these locations. Now that the route has launched, we’re taking a deeper dive into everything it has to offer—how it works, why it was created, and how you can make the most of it.
What Is Route 12?
Route 12 is a public transit route connecting two key Walmart locations in Bentonville: the Walmart Transportation building on N Walton Blvd and the Walmart Home Office on SW 8th St, right in front of the Culinary Innovation Center. This route operates on a 15-minute loop, meaning it takes just 7 minutes to travel from the Transportation building to the Home Office and 8 minutes back.
Best of all, Route 12 is part of Ozark Regional Transit’s $0 fare fixed transit system, so you can ride at no cost!
Who Can Ride Route 12?
You can! Route 12 is open to the public.
When Can You Ride Route 12?
Route 12 runs Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, making it perfect for morning commutes, lunch-hour travel, or afternoon trips. With its regular 15-minute loop, you won’t have to wait long to catch the next bus.
Where Does Route 12 Go?
Route 12 connects two important Walmart locations within Bentonville:
Walmart Transportation Building: Located on N Walton Blvd, this is the starting point of the route.
Walmart Home Office & Culinary Innovation Center: The second and final stop is on SW 8th St, right in front of Walmart’s Culinary Innovation Center at the Home Office campus.
Additionally, Route 12 is integrated into Ozark Regional Transit’s broader system, with a direct connection to the Bentonville-Rogers Exchange (BRX) at the Home Office. The BRX makes it easier to connect with Route 12, providing a seamless way to reach the Walmart Logistics Center and other key transit points.
Why Was Route 12 Created?
Route 12 is a demonstration route, designed to assess demand and gather community feedback. The goal is to provide efficient transportation between two active Walmart locations while offering $0 transit. The trial phase will help determine if Route 12 should be made a permanent part of Ozark Regional Transit’s services based on ridership and community favor.
As part of ORT’s mission to improve public transit across Northwest Arkansas, Route 12 was created to explore ways of making commuting more convenient and reducing congestion around key areas.
How Can You Ride Route 12?
Riding Route 12 is simple! There’s no need to purchase a ticket or create any account—just arrive at either stop during operating hours and hop on. The $0 transit ensures a hassle-free ride, whether you’re commuting to work or heading out for errands.
If you need additional transportation options, Ozark Regional Transit’s on-demand and paratransit services remain available in the area, providing more flexibility for riders with specific needs.
Requesting a Demonstration Route
Like Route 12, demonstration routes can be requested through Ozark Regional Transit. These routes are designed to test demand for specific areas or services and can run for up to 18 months. However, demonstration routes must be provided with dedicated funding to operate. Community organizations, businesses, or local governments can submit a request for a new route, which, if funded, could be tested for its viability as a permanent route in the ORT system.
What’s Next for Route 12?
Route 12 is currently in its testing phase, but with strong community support, it could become a permanent transit solution for employees and the public. If the route gains popularity, there’s potential for additional stops or expanded service, based on rider feedback and funding.
Your ridership and feedback are crucial in shaping the future of public transit in Bentonville. So take advantage of this $0 transit route and let us know how it works for you!
Hop on Route 12 today and enjoy a convenient, cost-effective way to travel between key Walmart locations in Bentonville.