MERCED – Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) will soon benefit from a $3.68 million federal award for replacing four buses. The funding is part of the fiscal year 2023 omnibus spending package signed by President Biden this week. It is one of several community projects in the region sponsored by Congressman Jim Costa (D-16) and funded in the bill.
Photo Courtesy of YARTS
The YARTS fleet is the only public transit system that runs service to and from Yosemite National Park. YARTS’ fleet of buses includes several vehicles approaching the end of their useful life, which will need to be replaced within the next three years. This federal award will replace four of these vehicles with clean-diesel, over-the-road coach buses that will operate within the YARTS service network along the four state highways into and within the Park from five surrounding counties.
“This investment represents a game-changing moment for YARTS,” said Stacie Guzman, YARTS Executive Director. “Thanks to the dogged support and commitment from Congressman Costa, YARTS can take a giant leap towards its goal of timely fleet replacement, which is critical to the service’s long-term sustainability. Having enough buses to provide service on all corridors is fundamental to providing equitable access to one of the most precious gems in the National Park system.”
For more information about YARTS schedules and routes or to book tickets, please visit www.yarts.com or call (877) 989-2787.
YARTS is a California Joint Powers Authority comprised of Merced, Mariposa, Tuolumne, Madera, and Mono Counties in partnership with Caltrans, the Federal Highway Administration, the National Park Service, and the United States Forest Service.
The Merced County Association of Governments provides administrative services and operational support for YARTS.
