REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: HENRY THOMPSON, Director of Aviation
Airports Department
SUBJECT
Title
***RESOLUTION - In support of Fresno Council of Governments or Fresno County to provide and restore Yosemite Area Regional Transit System (YARTS) funding for continuation of temporary trial service and to restore YARTS for the 2023 season and engage in Joint Powers Authority discussions for permanent service on the SR 41 route. (Council District 4)(Subject to Mayor's Veto)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council adopts a resolution in support of maintaining transit access from the City of Fresno to Yosemite National Park as part of the YARTS system that is consistent with the level of service that has been provided through last season and will continue to be provided from other valley cities.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
YARTS service from the City of Fresno will not commence with the upcoming summer season due to lack of funding by The County of Fresno and Fresno COG. Without restoration of funding, Fresno will be the only city in the system without transit access through YARTS. The remaining cities have secured funding from their respective counties and will see no interruption.
BACKGROUND
Since 2015, YARTS has provided a vital link to Yosemite National Park with scheduled transit service from Sonora, Merced, Mammoth Lakes, and Fresno. YARTS service has been managed by Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG). YARTS is a JPA comprised of Merced, Mariposa, Tuolumne, Madera, and Mono Counties. Fresno County has not agreed to participate in the JPA resulting in the Fresno route operating as a trial route since the launch of service. Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) funding has been provided through Fresno Council of Governments (Fresno COG) to support Fresno runs along the Highway 41 corridor. The congestion mitigation grant funding expired at the end of the season in September 2022.
As a result, Fresno YARTS service will not...
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