Two Central Coast cities hope to improve the quality of public transportation in the region by consolidating their two bus systems.
The Guadalupe Flyer and Santa Maria Regional Transit systems will merge. The Guadalupe and Santa Maria City Councils approved the consolidation, noting the close ties between the two communities.
Officials say the move will improve public transit between the communities, result in cost savings through economies of scale, and make the combined entity eligible for new state and federal grants.
To help passengers with the transition, the combined bus service will offer free rides from July 1 through July 11.
