See how to get free bus rides around Merced, Stanislaus counties this summer

Merced residents can beat the heat and combat air pollution this summer through the Free Summer Fares program, offered by the Merced County Association of Governments. The program covers the cost of riding the bus on fixed routes and micro bus routes through Aug. 31.

The program is funded through a $259,000 grant from the state’s Low Carbon Transit Operations Program.

“We do this because we want people to try out the bus. Maybe they haven’t ridden consistently, or they’ve never ridden the bus, or maybe they want to try out new routes or new services,” said Mary-Michal Rawling, public affairs manager for the association.

The Merced Transit Authority operates 15 fixed routes in Merced County while the Micro Bus allows riders to schedule pick up and drop off in a limited area around Gustine, Santa Nella, Los Banos and Dos Palos. Turlock Transit and StanRTA also provide free rides throughout July, allowing riders to transfer and ride as far north as Modesto at no charge.

In past years the program began as early as June and ran as late as September. The number of months depends on the grants the association is able to get, Rawling said.

In 2024, the bus provided nearly 790,000 rides, including 290,000 during the four months of free summer fares. Rawling said they see increased ridership during free fare periods and afterward. Fares are typically $1.50 within cities and $3 between cities.

Veterans, ADA-eligible riders and riders 62 or older qualify for free rides year round through voter-passed Measure V. Students at UC Merced and Merced College can also get free rides year round through partnerships between their schools and the association.

The association asks those riders to still provide identification during the summer period. Rawling said that allows the grant funds to cover fare for riders who otherwise would not be eligible.

This story was originally published July 2, 2025 at 11:52 AM.