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.
Fed shutdown forces Yosemite transit system cuts
As a result of the drop in ridership, transit officials said the number of buses heading to the national park this time of year has been cut in half – from six buses to three.
More Bus

Chicago Region Transit Ridership Grows in 2025
The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.
Read More →
Seattle's King County Metro Introduces New Battery-Electric Buses
Rolling out in electric yellow and seafoam blue, the first battery-electric buses purchased from GILLIG will begin serving riders in south King County on February 2.
Read More →
Valley Metro Sees Strong Ridership Growth in 2025
The agency ranked top five among mid-sized U.S. transit systems, defined as agencies with 15 million to 50 million annual trips.
Read More →
Subway Customer Satisfaction Reaches Record High, New York MTA Says
The subway system saw increases across all key metrics, with 62% of subway riders reporting they feel satisfied with the system overall.
Read More →
New Orleans RTA Reaches Agreement with ATU
The agreement provides competitive wages and reflects strong labor-management collaboration, positive working relationships, and a shared commitment to building a world-class transit system for the community, said RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.
Read More →
ABQ RIDE Launches Campaign to Bring Riders Back to the Bus
A new citywide campaign highlights free fares, improved service, and major upgrades to Albuquerque’s bus system.
Read More →
California's OCTA Advances 2026 Initiatives Centered on Balance and Sustainability
The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.
Read More →
People Movement: Virginia's DRPT Names New Director and More
In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, MCTS, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Read More →
Researchers Identify Top Risk Factors for Pedestrian-vehicle Crashes at Massachusetts Bus Stops
While their comprehensive analysis of bus stops focused on Massachusetts, the researchers are excited about the generalizability of the findings and application to other locations.
Read More →
Florida's JTA Unveils Mobility Visioning Plan 2050 at State of the Authority Event
CEO Nat Ford’s address offered a look at highlights from 2025, with a focus on the future and the innovative ways the JTA is shaping mobility in Northeast Florida.
Read More →
