Free Fares - Mariposa and Merced County Residents - YARTS - Public Transit to Yosemite
Free Fares – Mariposa and Merced County Residents

Low Carbon Transit Operations Program – LCTOP

Funding for this project has been exhausted. Please follow YARTS on social media for future opportunities.

Residents who live in Mariposa & Merced Counties can apply to receive one free round-trip ticket to ride YARTS per event listed below. This program is for the YARTS service on Highway 140 only.

National Park Week – April 20 – April 26, 2024: applications accepted Wednesday, February 28 – April 26, 2024.  

Great American Outdoors Day – Sunday, August 4, 2024: applications accepted Monday, May 13 – August 2, 2024

National Lands Day – Saturday, September 28, 2024: applications accepted Monday, August 5 -September 27th, 2024

Veterans Day – Monday, November 11, 2024: applications accepted Monday, September 30 – November 8, 2024 

  • (vouchers may be used through December 31, 2024)

In order to travel for free, residents must send a completed application (linked below) along with proof of address (driver’s license, utility bill, etc.) to [email protected]. Proof of residency must be provided to receive tickets. Once residence is verified, a voucher number will be issued to the applicant which can be used to make online reservations using the YARTS Reservation System.

Requests will be processed in the order of which they are received and will be fulfilled until all tickets have been issued or funding has been exhausted.

  • Terms and Conditions:

  • This promotion is open to Merced and Mariposa County residents.
  • Cancellations will not be refunded or rescheduled.
  • YARTS is not liable for lost or stolen voucher information.
  • YARTS buses are ADA accessible.
  • Applicant must be 18 years of age and older, and a resident of Merced or Mariposa County.
    One free adult round-trip ticket voucher will be issued per resident.
    o Children 0-5 ride for free* (see application).
    o 1 free child 6yrs-12yrs with each paid adult fare* (see application).
    o Each additional child 6yrs-12yrs pays a reduced fare price (may apply separately– must provide proof of residency).
    o Children 13yrs-17yrs pay a reduced fare price (may apply separately– must provide proof of residency).
    *Reservation system/transaction fees may apply.
  • All applicants must submit proof of address (government issued identification, utility bill, etc.) to verify residency.
    Email completed form and proof of residency to [email protected].
    Those without access to the internet or email may apply in-person, with proof of residency, at the YARTS Administration office: 357 W. 18th Street, Merced, CA 95340.
  • For assistance over the phone, please contact YARTS Administrative Staff at 209-723-3100.
    No physical tickets will be issued.
    Eligible participants will be emailed a voucher that can be used to make a reservation online, via the YARTS website, www.YARTS.com.
    Each voucher code may only be used once and only one voucher code may be used per transaction.
    Ticket vouchers will be distributed based on available funding and in the order of which they are received – one per resident.

  • Program will end when all tickets have been issued and/or when funding has been exhausted. Quantities are limited.

  • This program is made possible by funding from the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP). The Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) is a program funded by auction proceeds from the California Air Resources Board Cap-and-Trade Program. It provides public transportation operating and capital assistance to transit agencies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve mobility through new and enhanced services. The program is part of the California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, improving public health, and the environment. This program prioritizes serving disadvantaged communities. 

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