FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jennifer Flachman, Public Information Officer
flachmanj@cityofmerced.org, 209-564-0235
Merced, Calif. November 1, 2022 - The City of Merced announced today it is in the final construction phase of the North Transit Hub, located at the eastern half of M Street Circle and Bellevue Road in Merced.
Federally funded by $1.6 million from the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program, which provides funds to States for transportation projects designed to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality, the City expects the Hub to be operational and available for use in January 2023.
“Developing a strong and well-connected public transportation infrastructure will benefit all community stakeholders,” said Merced Mayor Matthew Serratto. “Supporting our partners at MCAG, Merced County Transit, and UC Merced will allow the community’s modes of public transportation to provide an affordable means of mobility. Additionally, it is a key link to jobs and educational institutions for members of our community with limited transportation options.”
The North Transit Hub will connect with the community’s overall transportation system and serve as a central location for rider parking, bus pickup, transfer and drop off, and ride share parking and will allow coordinated bus routes with Merced County Transit, known as “The Bus,” which is administered and operated by the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County, and CatTracks, part of the UC Merced transit services. Additionally, The Bus will provide connections to the Merced Amtrak Station at 324 W. 24th Street and the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS), managed by the Merced County Association of Governments.
“This is another great example of UC Merced and the City of Merced working together and coming up with a solution that will benefit the entire community as we grow together,” said UC Merced Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz. “I look forward to even more projects that will further strengthen our partnership and contribute to the prosperity and wellbeing of Merced.”
As the public transportation infrastructure continues to develop, the North Transit Hub will augment the existing South Merced serving Transit Hub (Transpo Center) to increase citywide mobility. The Hub will be a convenient location for accessing transportation options and switching between modes. When complete, the facility will include lighted bus loading and parking areas with 350 parking stalls.
“The location of the transportation hub is designed to reduce traffic congestion in neighborhoods,” stated City Engineer Michael Beltran. “The hub will serve as a sustainable transportation resource to help people safely travel to and from their desired destination.”
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