Getting around Merced, especially if you’re a student, faculty, staff, or visitor at UC Merced, is easier than you might think. Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) at UC Merced is dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and efficient transit options for everyone on and around campus. This guide will walk you through the Spring 2025 bus schedule, ensuring you can navigate Merced Transport like a pro.
UC Merced CatTracks Bus
Spring 2025 Merced Transport Bus Schedules: What You Need to Know
The Spring 2025 semester brings a comprehensive bus schedule designed to connect UC Merced with key locations in and around Merced. Whether you need to get to class, run errands, or explore the city, Merced transport has you covered.
Real-Time Tracking: To make your commute even smoother, you can track the real-time location of each bus line using the CatTracks Ridesystems Tracker! This tool allows you to see exactly where your bus is, minimizing wait times and helping you plan your day effectively.
Two Main Merced Transport Systems: It’s important to understand the two main bus systems available:
- UC Merced Bus Routes (Blue Headers): These routes, identifiable by their blue headers in the schedule below, are specifically designed for the UC Merced community. They all reliably serve the University Transit Center (UTC), making them ideal for campus access.
- Merced “The Bus” Routes (Green Headers): These routes, marked with green headers, are part of the broader Merced public transportation system, known as “The Bus.” UC Merced students can ride these routes for free using their Cat Card. While most of these routes don’t directly serve the UTC, Route UC is an exception. These routes are excellent for connecting to locations like Merced College, the Merced Mall/Target area, and Walmart, often providing connection points to UC Merced buses. Use online trip planners to optimize connections between both systems.
Finding Your Route: To easily find the best Merced transport option for your needs, use the search bar within the schedule listings below. Simply type in a bus line name or a location to quickly filter and find relevant routes.
Detailed Breakdown of UC Merced & Merced “The Bus” Routes – Spring 2025
Here’s a detailed look at the Spring 2025 bus schedule, categorized for clarity:
UC Merced Bus Routes (Serving University Transit Center – UTC)
Bobcat Express: Campus, Bellevue & R Street
This route is a vital link connecting the UC Merced campus with Bellevue and R Street areas.
- Operating Days & Hours: Monday – Friday | 6:29 AM – 9:20 PM
- Bobcat Express Schedule Link
C-1: Campus, G St. & Granville Apts.
The C-1 route provides convenient Merced transport access between campus, G Street, and Granville Apartments.
- Operating Days & Hours: Monday – Friday | 6:20 AM – 10:28 PM
- C-1 Schedule Link
C-2: Campus & Village Apts.
For those residing in Village Apartments, the C-2 route is your direct Merced transport to and from campus.
- Operating Days & Hours: Monday – Friday | 6:20 AM – 10:07 PM
- C-2 Schedule Link
E-1: Campus, Moraga & Downtown
Explore downtown Merced and the Moraga area with the E-1 route, operating on weekends.
- Operating Days & Hours: Saturday – Sunday | 8:30 AM – 11:06 PM
- E-1 Schedule Link
E-2: Yosemite Ave & Bellevue Ranch
The E-2 route facilitates Merced transport to Yosemite Avenue and Bellevue Ranch on weekends.
- Operating Days & Hours: Saturday – Sunday | 11:05 AM – 9:56 PM
- E-2 Schedule Link
FastCat: Campus, Bellevue Ranch & R Street
Need a faster route to Bellevue Ranch and R Street? FastCat is your weekday express Merced transport option.
- Operating Days & Hours: Monday – Friday | 6:35 AM – 10:25 PM
- FastCat Schedule Link
FastCat 2: Campus, Bellevue Ranch & R Street
An additional FastCat service, FastCat 2 provides more frequent Merced transport to key areas during peak times.
- Operating Days & Hours: Monday – Friday | 8:30 AM – 9:45 PM
- FastCat 2 Schedule Link
G-Line: R St., El Redondo & Village Apts.
Connecting R Street, El Redondo, and Village Apartments, the G-Line is a crucial weekday Merced transport route.
- Operating Days & Hours: Monday – Friday | 6:30 AM – 10:03 PM
- G-Line Schedule Link
Yosemite Express: Campus & Moraga, G St.
The Yosemite Express offers a direct Merced transport option to campus, Moraga, and G Street on weekdays.
- Operating Days & Hours: Monday – Friday | 9:00 AM – 10:09 PM
- Yosemite Express Schedule Link
Route UC: Paulson Ave. & Olive Ave.
Route UC is a unique Merced “The Bus” route that does serve the UC Merced area, specifically Paulson and Olive Avenues.
- Operating Days & Hours: Sunday – Saturday | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Route UC Schedule Link
Merced “The Bus” Routes (Not Serving UTC Directly – Except Route UC)
The following “The Bus” routes provide broader Merced transport coverage and can be used with your Cat Card for free. Remember these generally do not go to the University Transit Center, requiring potential transfers from UC Merced routes at connection points.
M-1: Grocery Outlet & T St., 3rd St.
- Operating Days & Hours: Sunday – Saturday | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- M-1 Schedule Link
M-2: Best Buy & Walmart
- Operating Days & Hours: Sunday – Saturday | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- M-2 Schedule Link
M-3: County Admin & West Ave., 1st Ave.
- Operating Days & Hours: Sunday – Saturday | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- M-3 Schedule Link
M-4: Yosemite HS & North Transit Hub
- Operating Days & Hours: Sunday – Saturday | 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- M-4 Schedule Link
M-5: Amtrak & Rancho San Miguel
- Operating Days & Hours: Sunday – Saturday | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- M-5 Schedule Link
M-6: Santa Fe & SaveMart
- Operating Days & Hours: Sunday – Saturday | 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- M-6 Schedule Link
M-7: B Street & Rescue Mission
- Operating Days & Hours: Sunday – Saturday | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- M-7 Schedule Link
Plan Your Trip with Merced Transport
Utilizing Merced transport is an excellent way to navigate the city and access UC Merced. By understanding the different routes and using the real-time tracker, you can make the most of the Spring 2025 bus schedule.
For a comprehensive overview of all Merced “The Bus” routes, visit the official Merced’s “The Bus” Schedule page.
For further details and helpful updates about transit schedules, be sure to check the TAPS transit FAQ page. Enjoy your hassle-free commute with Merced transport!
