Transit Projects

Funding for Transit

If $450 million is collected over 30 years, then $22.5 million will be available for Transit Projects.   The Governing Board of the Merced County Association of Governments is the decision-maker for allocating these funds. The goal of this funding category is to expand or enhance public transit services and programs. To accomplish this important goal, funding is provided to the transit agency within the County to expand transit services. Potential uses include but are not limited to:

  • New routes to enhance existing transit service
  • Low emission buses
  • Night and weekend service
  • Bus shelters and other capital improvements
  • Safer access to public transit services
  • Fare reduction or subsidies

EXPANSION OF THE MEASURE V FREE FARE PROGRAM

Effective October 1, 2021 the Measure V fare-free program has expanded to allow veterans, seniors, and ADA-eligible passengers to ride for free on all services provided by The Bus throughout Merced County. This includes paratransit, Dial-A-Ride, and The Micro Bus services.  Previously, these passengers were offered fare-free rides on fixed-route service only.

PASSENGERS WHO PURCAHSED AN ADA MULTIRIDE PASS BEFORE OCTOBER 1ST MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR REFUNDS

  1. Who is eligible for refunds?
    1. ADA Multi-ride pass customers with a receipt
    2. Agencies that purchased passes from TJPA can request refunds
  2. Refunds will be issued for passes bought on or after the TJPA Governing Board approval date (July 15, 2021). Refunds will be processed until March 31, 2022.
  3. Receipt of purchase will be required for all refunds.
  4. Partial refunds may be issued for passes already used (TJPA will check the balance on the pass and will issue refund for the remaining value).
  5. Tickets that are refunded will be kept by Merced The Bus administrative office.
  6. How will refunds be issued?
    1. Refunds equal to, or less than, $20 dollars will be issued in cash
    2. Refunds greater than $20 dollars will be issued in the form of a check, which will be mailed out 

FREE SERVICES FOR SENIORS, VETERANS AND ADA ELIGIBLE PASSENGERS

In November 2016, Merced County voters passed Measure V – a countywide ½ cent sales tax for transportation. The sales tax, which went into effect April 1, 2017, was projected to generate an estimated $15 million annually. MCAG, is the state-designated Local Transportation Authority for Merced County responsible for the implementation and administration of overseeing Measure V. Over the next 30 years of sales tax it is projected that $22.5 million will be available for Transit Projects. The Governing Board of the Merced County Association of Governments is the decision-maker for allocating these funds. The goal of this funding category is to expand or enhance public transit services and programs.

Free Service for Seniors, Veterans and ADA eligible Passengers

Since July 2017, The MCAG Governing Board approved for the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County to utilize a portion of Measure V funds to provide free fixed route service countywide to seniors, Veterans, and ADA eligible individuals.

To qualify for this program, individuals must present valid photo identification. Veterans and active service members may use a government issued ID, active military identification card, veteran’s health identification card, or retired military identification card. Seniors 62 or older may use a government issued ID displaying their date of birth, and ADA eligible passengers can use an ADA Paratransit card or a Medicare card with a photo ID to ride the fixed route system throughout Merced County without charge.

Please be aware that Bus Operators are not able to allow any passengers to ride for free without one of these valid forms of identification. No exceptions.

If you need assistance with determining your eligibility for riding The Bus fixed routes for free, please contact our Transit Administration office at (209) 723-3100 or visit us at 357 W 18th Street in Merced.