YCAT service keeps Yuma County connected with expanded regional links
Yuma County’s public transit network, YCAT, maintains fixed-route service across Yuma, Somerton, San Luis, Wellton, Cocopah and Quechan tribal lands and into Winterhaven and El Centro, offering essential mobility for workers, students and residents. With weekday and Saturday schedules, affordable fares and transfer hubs at key community sites, the system remains a backbone for regional access and cross‑jurisdictional travel.
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Yuma County Area Transit (YCAT) operates a network of fixed routes and paratransit services that provide daily connections across the county and into neighboring California communities, sustaining access to jobs, education and essential services for thousands of residents. The system’s footprint stretches through Yuma, Somerton, San Luis and Wellton, includes Cocopah and Quechan tribal lands, and extends into Winterhaven and El Centro, ensuring that rural and tribal communities remain linked to urban centers.
Typical service hours run Monday through Friday from roughly 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., with Saturday service from about 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The schedule supports early commuters as well as afternoon and evening travel, while the YCAT OnCall program provides paratransit for riders who require door-to-door service under eligibility guidelines. Fare structures are designed for affordability: a standard one-way fare is $2.00 with a discounted fare of $1.00, and riders can choose day passes or 31‑day passes for frequent use.
YCAT’s network is organized around several main transfer points that act as community nodes. The Downtown Yuma Transit Center serves as a central hub for transfers within the city, while Arizona Western College (AWC) receives dedicated service to accommodate students and staff. West Yuma’s Walmart/Avenue B stop links retail and residential areas, and the Cocopah Casino stop connects tribal enterprises and destinations. Cross-border and intercounty travel is facilitated by the transfer terminal in El Centro, enabling longer commutes and regional mobility.
Beyond fixed-route service, YCIPTA operates a vanpool program that includes a $300 monthly subsidy for qualifying groups, encouraging shared rides for longer commutes and reducing individual transportation costs. That subsidy can make a significant difference for carpooling employees and groups traveling between Yuma County and neighboring communities, particularly where fixed-route service is less frequent.
For local residents, these services have practical implications. Reliable transit options support access to employment centers and medical appointments, help students reach classes at AWC and other institutions, and provide mobility for seniors and people with disabilities through paratransit. The inclusion of Cocopah and Quechan tribal lands in the network reflects ongoing efforts to serve tribal communities and respect regional interconnections. The link into Winterhaven and El Centro underscores Yuma County’s economic and social ties across state lines, reinforcing the area’s role in a broader cross‑border region.
As YCAT continues to operate its fixed routes and paratransit services, the combination of scheduled service, transfer hubs and targeted subsidies remains central to maintaining transportation equity and regional connectivity in Yuma County. Riders seeking specifics on routes, schedules and pass options should consult YCIPTA resources for the latest information.


