Some Merced County bus schedules to see reduced service Oct. 25. Here’s why
Some Merced County bus schedules will change on Monday with the implementation of an emergency service reduction, according to a Friday Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG) news release.
The changes are being put in place due to nationwide pandemic-related shortages of transit operators and bus parts, the release said.
The reduced bus service mainly impacts passengers traveling through Los Banos, Livingston, Winton and Merced.
The LB commuter line, which runs between Los Banos and Merced, will see its typical hourly service reduced, according to the release.
On the county’s east side, the Livingston commuter L route will absorb the Winton Commuter north W2 route and run on a modified schedule as well.
All bus stops will continue to be served and operation hours for The Bus remain unchanged, the release said.
New schedules for the three modified routes can be found on www.mercedthebus.com or on ‘The Bus Live mobile’ app.
MCAG will temporarily reduce three fixed routes while the staffing shortage, as well as supply chain delays impacting the availability of bus parts, persist.
“Unfortunately, we continue to be impacted by the effects of the pandemic,” said Transit Manager Christine Chavez.
“However, as we implement these emergency service reductions we continue to strive toward providing quality, reliable services with the least impact to our passengers.”
Passengers riding The Bus are still required to wear masks to protect against the COVID-19 pandemic. Passengers are also encouraged to wash their hands often, cover all coughs and sneezes, stay home when sick and avoid direct contact with sick individuals, the release said.
