About Yamhill County Transit
YC Transit is the latest chapter in a transportation story stretching over 150 years—from river navigation and steam/diesel inter-urban trains, through private bus lines, to today’s integrated, fare-free public transit connecting rural communities with urban hubs.
Today, Yamhill County Transit continues that legacy—offering flexible Dial‑A‑Ride, ADA Paratransit, local fixed routes, and commuter services for residents, students, and workers. We are continually evolving to meet community needs while honoring a long history of mobility and connection.
History & Achievements
October 2021
1980’s-2012 – Local Efforts
Community transit needs were met by local non-profits
July 2025
2007 – YCTA formed
The Yamhill County Transit Area (YCTA) is formally created
October 2021
2012 – Our First Provider
YCTA’s first transit provider, First Transit, is contracted with to provide:
- Commuter service to Hillsboro, Salem, Grand Ronde, and Tigard
- Local service in McMinnivlle and Newberg
- Demand response services throughout Yamhill County
2014 – Transit Center Opens
Located in Downtown McMinnville, the Transit Center opens as the area’s transit hub.
2018 – Plan is Adopted
The YCT Transit Development Plan (TDP) is adopted as strategic guidance for a 20-year planning period.
2019 – New Technology
Smart technology begins to be installed on buses
February 2021
2020 – Additional Buses
Five remanufactured Gillig buses (three 30‑ft, two 35‑ft) acquired via Complete Coach Works (CCW) help us support social distancing and fleet renewal
January 2022
2020 – Impact of COVID-19
Local routes remain fareless to support community needs but service is scaled back to essential trips
July 2022
2020 – Provider Change
New five-year contract with First Transit is signed
October 2024
2021 – Bus Stop Project
The Bus Stop Improvement Project (BSIP) starts as one new initiative to improve the accessibility and visibility of the YCT system.
2022 – A Ridership Record
YCT celebrates more than 3 MILLION rides!
July 2025
2022 – Fleet expands
Two 30‑ft remanufactured model—equipped with low-floor access, ADA ramps, LED lighting, and clean‑diesel engines – are added to the fleet
October 2024
2022 – Planning Begins
Planning for a new YCT Operations Center begins
A Look Back at Yamhill County Transportation
Steamboats & Locks (Mid‑1800s – Early 1900s)
In the mid‑1800s, before roads were reliable, steamboats and human-powered vessels were vital. The Yamhill River was a key route for goods and passengers, especially after the Lafayette Locks opened in 1900, raising water levels to McMinnville
These locks operated until 1954, when the Army Corps of Engineers closed them due to reduced use
The Red Electric Era (1914–1929)
In 1914, Southern Pacific began the “Red Electric” interurban rail network—the Yamhill Loop—electrifying routes from Portland through towns like Newberg, McMinnville, Carlton, and further to Corvallis. Painted barn-red, these cars were quieter, faster, and more comfortable than steam trains
Yet by the early 1920s riders declined due to rising car ownership and improved roads. The line was discontinued by 1929; the overhead lines were removed, although a concrete substation in Dundee still stands today
Rise of Bus Transit & Blue Bus Lines (1930s–1960s)
Bus services began replacing rail, with operators like Tualatin Valley Buses expanding into Yamhill County by the 1950s and ‘60s. In 1967–70, TriMet absorbed many of these private “Blue Bus” lines in a wave of consolidations
Establishing Yamhill County Transit (2007–Present)
Yamhill County Transit Area (YCTA) was formally created in March 2007
2012 marked the launch of service via contract operator Transdev (also linked with First Transit), organizing local routes in McMinnville and commuter links to Hillsboro, Tigard, West Salem, Grand Ronde, and Salem
