The summer season has officially started for the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS)
The public transit system which runs coach service to Yosemite National Park commenced its summer schedule this week from both Merced and Mariposa along Highway 140 as well as from Sonora and Groveland along Highway 120.
Last week, service on the Highway 41 corridor from Fresno and Oakhurst to Yosemite also began. Service from Mammoth Lakes is scheduled to start on June 15, 2021.
Reservations Encouraged
Reservations are highly encouraged to ride YARTS as only a limited amount of walk-on tickets will be issued. It is important for passengers to know that they do not need a day-use pass issued by the National Park Service to ride YARTS into the Park.
Reservations can be made for YARTS tickets on any of the four routes and can be booked on the YARTS website.
“Riding YARTS is the perfect way to experience Yosemite and take in all the sights” said Christine Chavez, Transit Manager. “There’s no stress related to driving through the mountains, no need to worry about finding a place to park the car or trying to secure a day-use pass; you just can’t beat it.”
COVID-19 Measures Still In Place
All COVID-19 mitigation measures are still in place on all buses. In accordance with Federal Transit Administration regulations, passengers are still required to wear face masks when riding YARTS as well as while waiting to board at bus stops.
In order to promote social distancing, capacity has been reduced to a maximum of 30 passengers.
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For more information about YARTS schedules, fares, routes, COVID-19 safety measures, to reserve tickets, or apply for free passes for Merced or Mariposa residents, please visit www.yarts.com or call (877) 989-2787.
YARTS is a California Joint Powers Authority comprised of Merced, Mariposa, Tuolumne and Mono Counties in partnership with Fresno Council of Governments, Caltrans, Federal Highway Administration, National Park Service and the United States Forest Service.
The Merced County Association of Governments provides administrative services and operational support for YARTS.
