Visalia launches shuttle bus service to Fresno

Round-trip bus service from Visalia to Fresno begins Wednesday, giving Visalia residents a new way to get to three major locations in the city to the north.

Visalia Transit, the bus service division of Visalia government, is using 20-passenger shuttle buses and will stop in Fresno at the airport, Fresno State and downtown.

Fares are $10 each way.

Called the V-Line, the shuttle was launched to meet demand by students, air travelers and those going to medical appointments in Fresno, said Visalia Transit manager Monty Cox.

“It’s all about alternatives, to be able to get to where they need to go,” Cox said.

The service will be seven days a week, six times a day. The first bus leaves Visalia at 4 a.m.

The shuttle leaves from the Visalia Transit Center and stops at the Visalia airport, Fresno Yosemite International airport, Fresno State and Courthouse Park before returning to Visalia.

Fresno State students and employees will be able to ride free for the first year, said Deborah Adishian-Astone, the university’s interim vice president for administrative services.

The university already offers free bus rides on Fresno FAX for students and faculty, she said. Information can be obtained at the parking office and at the Fresno State website, which will be updated to reflect the new option.

The university will do targeted outreach to students and employees who live in Visalia, said Tom Gaffery, parking and transportation manager.

The shuttle will include free Wi-Fi for access to the Internet.

“It’ll be a study hall on wheels,” said Visalia City Manager Mike Olmos.

Information is available at www.ridevline.com. There’s also an app at the App Store and Google Play to track V-Line in real time.

Discount fares are available for frequent riders and seniors, students, the disabled and veterans.

This story was originally published November 17, 2015 at 4:04 PM with the headline "Visalia launches shuttle bus service to Fresno."