Costa Announces Funds to Improve Transit to Yosemite

Washington, DC – Rep. Jim Costa announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) with a $583,941 grant for a clean-diesel, ADA- accessible motor coach to add to their growing fleet. The new bus will help expand existing service to Yosemite National Park and meet the increasing needs for alternative transit to the park.

"Yosemite is a national treasure that has a special place in the hearts of Californians and visitors from across the country" said Costa. "This grant will improve air quality, reduce traffic through and expand access to the park, helping to preserve the park for future generations. YARTS lets you get out of the driver's seat and into nature faster."

"YARTS is absolutely delighted to be selected for funding under the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Program," said Dick Whittington, YARTS Transit Manager. "For the past three years, Yosemite has been hitting or exceeding the 4 million visitor mark. The funding will allow us to continue to grow our fleet of clean-diesel over-the-road coaches as our mission expands in providing alternative transportation to the Yosemite Region."

YARTS was one of 29 projects funded nationwide through the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Discretionary Program, which is intended to reduce traffic congestion and improve access to our National Parks and federal lands. YARTS provided transit services throughout the Valley and to Yosemite for over 94,000 passengers in 2012 and demand continues to grow.