Fed shutdown forces Yosemite transit system cuts

MERCED COUNTY, Calif. — The federal government shutdown has forced Merced County’s only public transit system to Yosemite National Park to eliminate half its trips to the world-famous attraction, transit officials told the Merced Sun-Star.

The Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) experienced a 58% drop in ridership for the first week of October, according to YARTS Transit Manager Dick Whittington. As a result of the drop in ridership, Whittington said, the number of buses heading to Yosemite National Park this time of year has been cut in half — from six buses to three. For the full story, click here.