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Free bus rides roll out across Merced and Stanislaus counties this July
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Public transportation is getting a summertime boost in Merced and Stanislaus counties, where residents can ride for free throughout the month of July — and in some areas, even longer.

The annual Free Summer Fare program is back, offering no-cost rides on The Bus in Merced County and The S in Stanislaus County. The initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion, cut down on pollution, and encourage more people to explore the convenience of public transit.

In Merced County, passengers can ride both fixed-route and micro transit services — including The Micro Bus — for free from July 1 through August 31. The Bus serves 13 communities across Merced and Stanislaus counties, with air-conditioned, ADA-accessible vehicles, many of which offer free Wi-Fi and bike racks.

“We have seen how the Free Summer Fare program has helped the community better understand the benefits and convenience of riding The Bus,” said Serenity Anderson, Transit Director for the Merced County Association of Governments. “All people have to do to participate in the program is get onboard — it really is that simple.”

Meanwhile, Stanislaus Regional Transit Authority (StanRTA) is offering Free Fares July, allowing riders to hop on The S — including local fixed routes, ACE/BART/Stockton commuter express routes, ADA Paratransit, and Medivan — without paying a dime. Turlock Transit is also participating, creating seamless, fare-free connections across the region.

“With the Free Fares July promotion, we’re proud to offer safe and reliable rides at no cost so residents can reach school, work, grocery stores, healthcare, shopping, and more without financial stress,” said Adam Barth, CEO of StanRTA.

The fare-free programs are funded through grants from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) under the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP), along with other federal transit support.

Riders who already qualify for free fares — including seniors, veterans, ADA-eligible passengers, and students from UC Merced and Merced College — should continue to show their IDs as usual.

Trip planning tools and real-time bus tracking are available at: