New bus operators take over for Madera County

Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (Fresno EOC) Transit Systems expanded services to Madera County in early July, through a 5-year agreement with the Madera County Board of Supervisors. Fresno EOC Transit Systems has previously only served Fresno County residents. These additional services will now provide transportation at low-cost to seniors, disabled, and low-income residents in unincorporated areas of Eastern Madera County.

“Our Transit Systems with over 36 years of experience with competitive prices helps us meet the needs of the community through providing safe and affordable transportation,” said Michelle L. Tutunjian, Fresno EOC Enterprise Officer.

These routes, previously operated by another company, are now operated by Fresno EOC Transit Systems without interruption for residents in need of transportation. Services include rides on the Medical Escort, Senior Bus, Madera County Connection (MCC), and MCC Dial-A-Ride service for the county areas around the cities of Madera and Chowchilla.

“Passengers will be pleased that all routes and schedules will remain the same for Madera County residents,” said Monty Cox, Fresno EOC Transit Systems Director.

The Medical Escort service transports residents from Oakhurst, Bass Lake, Coarsegold, Raymond, Ahwahnee and North Fork, to doctor or medical-related appointments in the Madera, Fresno and Clovis areas. By calling 24-hours in advance, passengers can secure rides for their next appointments.

For individuals with disabilities and residents over the age of 60, the Senior Bus provides transportation to medical appointments, senior centers, nutrition programs, shopping centers and businesses in Eastern Madera County. The bus is an ADA-accessible vehicle equipped with handrails and a wheelchair lift.

Passengers traveling to or from Zone 2 areas of the cities of Madera and Chowchilla are now served by Fresno EOC under this county agreement. Both cities will continue serving passengers within the inner city boundaries of their respective Zone 1 areas. MCC Dial-A-Ride will honor any passes or tickets purchased in the month of July.

The MCC system operates three fixed routes serving Eastern Madera County, Madera Community College, Children’s Hospital, La Vina/Ripperdan/Eastin Arcola, Fairmead, and the Chowchilla area. All buses are wheelchair accessible.

The new telephone number for reservations and transit information in Madera County is 263-8080. To learn more about available transit services in Madera County and Fresno County, visit www.fresnoeoc.org/transit.