Plan Your CatTracks Trip to and From UC Merced
UC Merced’s university bus system is called CatTracks. For Fall 2026, weekday routes include Bobcat Express, C-1, C-2, FastCat, FastCat 2, G Line and Yosemite Express. Weekend campus service is provided primarily by E-1 and E-2.
This guide combines route operating spans, important stops, fare rules, the CatTracks real-time tracker, Route UC connections, request-stop rules and practical boarding information in one place.
How the UC Merced Bus Schedule Works
CatTracks does not use one universal timetable. Each route has its own stop sequence and departure times. TAPS publishes a Fall 2026 route list, individual route schedules and a Ride Systems/TransLoc real-time tracker.
UC Merced Transit Guide
CatTracks Routes and Published Service Spans
TAPS lists the following regular CatTracks routes for Fall 2026. The times below are the route-level operating spans shown on UC Merced’s official route page—not every stop departure.
Bobcat Express
Mon–Fri | 6:29 AM–9:20 PMServes the campus, Bellevue area, R Street, Merced College and selected downtown/shopping destinations during portions of the day.
Open Bobcat Express scheduleC-1 Line
Mon–Fri | 6:20 AM–10:28 PMLinks Granville Apartments, G Street, Walgreens/Rite Aid, Tri-College/Mercy, Bellevue Ranch and the University Transit Center.
Open C-1 scheduleC-2 Line
Mon–Fri | 6:20 AM–10:07 PMConnects R Street Village, El Redondo, Compass Pointe, Merced Mall/Target, Merced College, Bellevue Ranch and UTC.
Open C-2 scheduleFastCat
Mon–Fri | 6:35 AM–10:25 PMServes the University Surgery Center, Promenade Center, Yosemite Crossings, Tri-College/Mercy, Bellevue Ranch and UTC.
Open FastCat scheduleFastCat 2
Mon–Fri | 8:30 AM–9:45 PMA second weekday option through the Bellevue, Tri-College, Yosemite/Cordova, Moraga and campus corridor.
Open FastCat 2 scheduleG Line
Mon–Fri | 6:30 AM–10:03 PMServes R Street, El Redondo, Compass Pointe, Merced College, Bellevue Ranch, UTC, Amtrak and Downtown Campus Center.
Open G Line scheduleYosemite Express
Mon–Fri | 9:00 AM–10:09 PMProvides frequent circulation among Moraga, UTC, Tri-College/Mercy, G Street and University Surgery Center.
Open Yosemite Express scheduleE-1 Weekend Line
Sat–Sun | 8:30 AM–11:06 PMWeekend service linking UTC with G Street, Amtrak, Downtown, Walmart, Target and Yosemite-area stops.
Open E-1 scheduleE-2 Weekend Line
Sat–Sun | 11:05 AM–9:56 PMWeekend service through Promenade Center, R Street, El Redondo, Target, M Street, Yosemite/Cordova and Moraga.
Open E-2 scheduleHow to Read CatTracks Times and Stops
CatTracks schedule tables show departure times. The bus is scheduled to leave the named stop at the listed time. Riders should be ready before the published departure rather than arriving exactly at the minute shown.
| Route | Example first published point | Example campus arrival/departure | Useful stops |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bobcat Express | R Street Village begins at 6:29 AM. | UTC appears at 6:55 AM on the first listed run. | R Street, Merced College, Bellevue Ranch, UTC, Target, Walmart, Amtrak. |
| C-1 | Granville Apartments at 6:20 AM. | First listed UTC time is 6:56 AM. | Granville, G Street, Walgreens, Tri-College/Mercy, Bellevue Ranch, UTC. |
| C-2 | R Street Village at 6:20 AM. | First listed UTC time is 7:02 AM. | R Street, Target, Merced College, Bellevue Ranch, UTC, Foothill. |
| FastCat | University Surgery Center at 6:35 AM. | First listed UTC time is 7:03 AM. | Promenade, Yosemite Crossings, Tri-College, Bellevue Ranch, UTC, Moraga. |
| Yosemite Express | Moraga Subdivision at 9:00 AM. | UTC at 9:07 AM on the first listed run. | Moraga, UTC, Foothill request stop, Tri-College, G Street, Surgery Center. |
| E-1 weekend | UTC at 8:30 AM. | Starts at the University Transit Center. | G Street, Amtrak, Downtown, Walmart, Target, Yosemite Crossings. |
University Transit Center Is the Main CatTracks Hub
UC Merced’s current route page explains that the university-operated CatTracks routes shown with blue headers travel to the University Transit Center. That makes UTC the key place for understanding connections between campus and off-campus routes.
This is a simplified rider orientation diagram, not a geographically exact route map. Use the official schedule or live tracker for exact stops.
UC Merced Weekend Bus Schedule
E-1 provides weekend travel from UTC toward G Street, Amtrak, Downtown, Walmart, Target, Walgreens and Yosemite-area shopping before returning toward campus.
E-2 provides another weekend option through Promenade Center, R Street Village, El Redondo, Target, M Street, Yosemite/Cordova and Moraga.
What Does “REQ.” Mean on a CatTracks Schedule?
UC Merced’s route tables define REQ. as “Request Stop-Drop Only.” When a later stop shows REQ. instead of a normal departure time, do not treat it as a scheduled pickup departure.
How to Track a UC Merced Bus Live
TAPS links riders to the CatTracks Ride Systems Tracker, which currently redirects to the TransLoc-powered live interface. Use it after identifying the route you need.
Launch the official CatTracks real-time route tool.
Select Bobcat Express, C-1, C-2, FastCat or the route you need.
Check the map for buses currently reporting location.
Confirm the correct side of the road and direction.
Live position can change, so check again before walking out.
How Much Does CatTracks Cost?
UC Merced students, faculty and staff can ride CatTracks without an additional ride charge when they have a valid, legible CatCard. TAPS also allows members of the general community to ride CatTracks for a cash fare.
Your CatCard functions as your CatTracks pass.
Keep the card legible and ready when boarding.
General community riders can use CatTracks by paying the published fare.
Free with a UC-affiliated adult; $1 with a non-affiliated adult under the published fare policy.
| Child age | With UC-affiliated adult | With non-UC adult |
|---|---|---|
| 2 and under | No charge | No charge |
| 3–12 | No charge | $1 per ride |
| 13+ | $2 per ride | $2 per ride |
Route UC and Merced “The Bus” Connections
UC Merced works with Merced’s city transit system. Students, faculty and staff can use Merced’s The Bus free with their CatCard. TAPS identifies Route UC as the city route that directly serves the UC Merced campus.
How to Use the UC Merced Trip Planner
Choose your current location, apartment, store or campus stop.
Use UC Merced, UTC or your off-campus destination.
Select depart-after or arrive-by and enter your target time.
Choose weekday or weekend and filter routes if useful.
Open the actual route timetable to confirm the planner result.
The official planner currently supports Bobcat Express, C-1, C-2, G Line, FastCat, FastCat 2, Yosemite Express, E-1, E-2 and Route UC.
Bike Racks, Standing, Food and Safety Rules
University Transit Center at UC Merced
The University Transit Center, usually shown as UTC in CatTracks schedules, is the central campus timepoint for the university-operated bus routes.
- Check whether the schedule says UTC North or UTC South.
- Confirm your route before boarding.
- Match the destination and direction.
- Use the live tracker when several buses are present.
- Give yourself extra time when transferring between routes.
- Do not assume every city bus uses the same campus stop.
Check CatTracks Updates Before Important Trips
Construction, semester changes, holidays, finals and special schedules can change CatTracks operations. TAPS says pertinent delays and special schedules are posted through its website and social channels.
Need Accessibility Help for a CatTracks Trip?
The official transit pages reviewed for this guide do not provide enough route-by-route detail to responsibly claim that every specific stop or vehicle has the same accessibility features.
If your trip depends on wheelchair boarding, a mobility device, stop accessibility or another accommodation, confirm the specific route and stop with TAPS before traveling.
UC Merced Transportation and Parking Services Contact
Facilities Services Building A
5200 North Lake Road
Merced, CA 95343
Phone: 209-228-8277
Email: taps@ucmerced.edu
Monday–Thursday: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
Friday remote service: 1:00 PM–4:00 PM
Office closed for lunch from 12:00 PM–1:00 PM.
Before You Walk to a UC Merced Bus Stop
- Confirm whether today uses weekday or weekend service.
- Choose the correct CatTracks route.
- Open the individual route timetable.
- Check the correct direction and stop.
- Remember that listed times are departure times.
- Check whether your stop is marked REQ.
- Bring a valid readable CatCard if UC-affiliated.
- Non-affiliated riders should be ready for the published fare.
- Check the live tracker shortly before leaving.
- Verify the return trip, especially late at night.
Schedules, Tracker, Policies and Trip Planning
Use this first to see current CatTracks route names, operating spans and city-bus connections.
Open official routes pageExplains who can ride, CatCard requirements and The Bus partnership.
Open CatTracks informationEnter your start, destination, time and service day, then verify the result with the route timetable.
Open Trip PlannerUse for current CatTracks vehicle locations shortly before traveling.
Open live trackerOfficial CatCard, community fare, child fare, bicycle and onboard safety rules.
Open policiesCurrent office location, phone, email and operating hours.
Open TAPS contact pageUC Merced Bus Schedule FAQs
What is the UC Merced bus system called?
UC Merced’s university transit service is called CatTracks and is operated through Transportation and Parking Services.
What CatTracks routes run on weekdays in Fall 2026?
UC Merced lists Bobcat Express, C-1, C-2, FastCat, FastCat 2, G Line and Yosemite Express as regular weekday CatTracks routes for Fall 2026.
Which UC Merced buses run on weekends?
E-1 and E-2 are the regular Fall 2026 weekend CatTracks routes. E-1 is listed from 8:30 AM to 11:06 PM and E-2 from 11:05 AM to 9:56 PM.
Is CatTracks free for UC Merced students?
Students, faculty and staff can ride CatTracks without an additional fare when they present a valid and legible CatCard.
Can the general public ride CatTracks?
Yes. UC Merced’s published fare policy lists a $2 per-ride fare for non-UC Merced affiliates.
What does REQ. mean on a CatTracks schedule?
REQ. means Request Stop-Drop Only. It should not be read as a normal scheduled pickup departure.
Where can I track a UC Merced bus live?
Use the CatTracks Ride Systems real-time tracker linked by UC Merced TAPS. The service currently redirects into the TransLoc live interface.
Does Route UC go to UC Merced?
Yes. TAPS identifies Route UC as the Merced city-bus route that directly serves the UC Merced campus.
How early should I reach a CatTracks stop?
For a normal trip, arriving around 5–10 minutes before the published departure is practical. Use more buffer for transfers, unfamiliar stops or time-sensitive appointments.
Can I take my bicycle on CatTracks?
Bicycles are not allowed inside CatTracks buses. TAPS says most shuttles have exterior racks that hold up to three bicycles on a first-come, first-served basis, with additional restrictions for beach cruisers and motorized bicycles.