(HANFORD, CA) – Representatives from partnering agencies including San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA); Kings County Association of Governments; Kings County Area Public Transit Agency (KCAPTA); Tulare County Association of Governments; Tulare County Regional Transit Agency (TCRTA); and Visalia Transit have officially launched The Cross Valley Corridor Phase 1 Bus Service project with enhanced bus connectivity to/from the Hanford Amtrak Station, KART Transit Center and the Visalia Transit Center.
In 2021, SJJPA completed and published the “South of Merced Integration Study,” focusing on maintaining connectivity to downtown Hanford, Corcoran, and Wasco after the High-Speed Rail Early Operating Segment begins. Following the study, SJJPA entered a Memorandum of Understanding with the above partnering agencies to integrate the Cross-Valley Corridor Plan, the Gold Runner Thruway bus service and connectivity to the future State High-Speed Rail Service.
In 2023, SJJPA allocated $115,000 through its Annual Business Plan to support a connecting transit service between Hanford and Visalia. This service, operated by Kings Area Regional Transit Agency (KART), will provide a timed connection to the Gold Runner Corridor service at Hanford.
By implementing phased improvements, the Cross Valley Corridor project will continue to deliver reliable and efficient transit options.
Phase 1A launched July 1, 2024 and will provide connection from Visalia to Hanford with four round trips per day, including four round-trips on weekdays and two round trips on Saturdays. This phase will also provide a convenient connection to Gold Runner trains (702 & 712). Phase 1B is slated to be in service by January 2025 and will add service from Visalia to Hanford – enhancing the frequency and convenience of the route. And lastly, a future Phase 1C will focus on implementing an Express Bus, providing service every half-hour, connecting Hanford to Lindsay and the High-Speed Rail connection.
“The Cross Valley Corridor is envisioned as a cornerstone of the Central Valley's future transportation network,” says Kings County Supervisor and San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority Board Member Doug Verboon. “Phase 1 of the bus service is just the beginning, with plans to expand and enhance transit operations to meet the growing needs of our region.”
"The launch of the Cross Valley Corridor Phase 1 Bus Service is a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance regional connectivity,” says KART Executive Director Angie Dow. “This service will provide vital links between Hanford, Visalia, and the wider San Joaquin Corridor, offering residents a reliable and sustainable transportation option."
“SJJPA and our partners remain committed to realizing a comprehensive rail service that will further connect our local urban and rural communities – facilitating more access and seamless travel across the Central Valley,” says Tulare County Supervisor and San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority Board Member Amy Shuklian.
About the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA)
Since July 2015, SJJPA has been responsible for the management and administration of Gold Runner. SJJPA is governed by Board Members representing each of the ten (10) Member Agencies along the 365-mile Gold Runner Corridor. For more information on SJJPA see www.sjjpa.com.
Gold Runner is Amtrak’s 6th busiest route with 18 train stations throughout the Central Valley and Bay Area, providing a safe, comfortable and reliable way to travel throughout California. Gold Runner is currently running six daily round-trips. In addition to the train service, Gold Runner Thruway buses provide connecting service to 135 destinations in California and Nevada including Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Napa Valley, Las Vegas and Reno. Ticketing and reservations are available on AmtrakSanJoaquins.com, the Amtrak app, or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL.
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About the Kings Area Regional Transit (KART)
Kings Area Regional Transit (KART) is Kings County’s public transportation provider. KART provides public transit service Monday through Friday and limited service on Saturdays. KART provides transportation services to the cities of Armona, Avenal, Corcoran, Grangeville, Hardwick, Hanford, Kettleman City, Laton, Lemoore, and Stratford. For more information, visit kartbus.org or KCAPTA / KART administration office located at 610 W. 7th Street, Hanford, CA 93230 or by calling 559-852-2717.
