MERCED – Beginning October 1st, Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) will transition to its winter schedule for bus service running from Merced and Mariposa to Yosemite National Park. While the service along the Highway 140 corridor operates year-round, the frequency of runs to and from the Park are reduced to reflect lower rates of visitation outside of the busy summer season. This year, there will be four runs from Merced and Mariposa to the Park and three options for return trips available daily through May 22, 2025.
YARTS routes into Yosemite that originate in Sonora, Fresno, and Mammoth Lakes are seasonal in nature and operate only in the high-demand, summer months. The Highway 41 (Fresno) service ended on September 10th this year; and the Highway 120 (Sonora) and Highway 395 (Mammoth Lakes) lines will conclude their 2024 service on September 30th.
“There is never a bad time to visit Yosemite,” said Serenity Anderson, Transit Director. “Each season is uniquely beautiful and riding YARTS enables passengers to maximize their Yosemite experience by allowing them to focus their full attention on enjoying the natural landscape around them without worrying about traffic, weather, or finding a parking spot.”
In honor of National Public Lands Day, Merced and Mariposa County residents are still able to receive free round-trip passes on YARTS through the end of year. Applications for the passes can be found on the YARTS website and sent to tickets@yarts.com.
All YARTS buses are equipped with lavatories and provide ample undercarriage and overhead storage for personal items. Children under five are always free and each child between the ages of 6 and 12 years-old ride free if accompanied by a full-fare paying adult. Discounted rates for veterans, seniors and ADA passengers are also available. For more information about fares, free passes, schedules, routes, or to make your reservation for your winter or spring trip, please visit www.yarts.com or call (877) 989-2787. Passengers riding into Yosemite on YARTS do not need a day-use pass issued by the National Park Service on days when one is required for those entering in private vehicles.
YARTS is a California Joint Powers Authority comprised of the Counties of Merced, Mariposa, Tuolumne, Madera, and the City of Fresno in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, National Park Service and United States Forest Service. The Merced County Association of Governments provides administrative services and operational support for YARTS.
