New thruway bus route cuts travel time between Merced and the Bay Area

MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Merced County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday morning for Gold Runner Route 40.

A brand-new Thruway bus service connecting Merced and San Jose stations with stops in Los Banos at Memorial Hospital and the Gilroy Transit Center.

"This route links our communities to major employment centers, universities, and the broader regional transit network," said Merced County Supervisor Josh Pedrozo.

Merced County Supervisor Josh Pedrazo says that, as someone who uses Gold Runner for trips, this route was necessary.

"One of the things we heard today is that about 300 billion miles are driven throughout the state every year, and this is really going to help alleviate some of the traffic congestion, especially on the 99," said Pedrazo.

He says this route, which has been running since the 5th of January, will serve as a shortcut for Central Valley residents heading to and from the South Bay, compared to taking the train.

"To get up to the Bay Area, they had to go to Stockton and then back around, so I think this will save them 2 hours because they don't have to go to Stockton, they will come to Merced, get this bus and go to the Bay Area."

Gold Runner's Thruway buses extend the reach of the train line, providing connecting service to 135 destinations in California and Nevada, including Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Napa Valley, Las Vegas, and Reno.

Last year alone, 1.4 million passengers relied on Gold Runner - both on the train and buses. This new route is expected to boost the local economy.

" And it's going to create a long-lasting economic impact in the city and county of Merced, and we are very excited for that," said Merced County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President Nadine Villafana.

Gold Runner trains operate 7 daily round-trip from Bakersfield to either Oakland or Sacramento.

The Gold Runner Route 40 will operate two daily round-trip.

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