Fund the yarts highway 120 route expansion to enhance public transportation access to yosemite national park particularly from the western communities like sonora

The Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration awarded $241,171 to the Merced County Association of Governments on January 1, 2026, under the Federal Transit Formula Grants program (CFDA 20.507) to fund expansion of the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System Highway 120 route. The award funds launch and operation of a 66-mile expanded route extending service from Sonora through Jamestown and Groveland to Yosemite Valley, operating daily during the summer season from May 23, 2025 through September 30, 2025. The expansion delivers enhanced transportation options for residents and visitors in underserved and rural gateway communities, improving mobility for people without private vehicles. MCAG, a council of governments entity and child organization of the County of Merced, administers YARTS and serves as the prime recipient. Performance occurs in California. The period of performance extends through March 1, 2028. No sub-recipients are identified in this award.

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to fund the yarts highway 120 route expansion to enhance public transportation access to yosemite national park particularly from the western communities like sonora.

Activities

The activities to be performed as part of the yarts highway 120 service expansion from sonora to yosemite valley is to launch and operate the added 66-mile expanded route daily during the summer season from may 23 2025THROUGH september 30 2025.

Expected outcomes

Expected outcomes as a result of highway 120 route expansion from sonora to yosemite valley include enhanced transportation options for residents and visitors in underserved or rural areas and improved mobility for people without private vehicles.

Intended beneficiaries

All local residents in gateway communities in sonora jamestown groveland and surrounding areas who need reliable affordable transportation to yosemite.