Yuba-Sutter Transit, known as the Hub Area Transit Authority (HATA) until January 1993, was formed in 1975 by Sutter and Yuba Counties and the Cities of Marysville and Yuba City as a joint powers agency (JPA) for the provision of public transit services. Since its inception, Yuba-Sutter Transit has carried out this charge by contracting with private transportation companies for the operation of all services.

From 1975 to 1979, service was provided exclusively to seniors and persons with disabilities through a contract with a local taxicab company for the operation of the "Our Car" taxi subsidy program. As a condition of a legal settlement with California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA), this service was replaced and expanded in 1979 with the purchase of thirteen mini-buses to implement a general public demand response service known as Dial-A-Ride. A network of local fixed routes was added in 1982. Since 1979, a regional or national transportation provider (currently Storer Transit Systems) has operated Yuba-Sutter Transit's core services.

In January 1988, following an independent operational analysis prompted by poor system performance, the service was significantly reduced through the elimination of the local fixed route system, Sunday service and most rural area services in lieu of a general public zonal dial-a-ride system for the urban area. At the same time, Sutter County withdrew from the Authority to establish their own taxi subsidy program for service to the unincorporated urban areas of the county. This service was discontinued when Sutter County rejoined the Authority in January 1991.

In response to the 1988 operational and organizational changes, CRLA filed another lawsuit against the Authority; the member jurisdictions; and, the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG). The resulting settlement agreement in 1990 led to the 1992 completion of a fixed route feasibility study and a comprehensive marketing plan. As a result of these studies, local fixed route service was reinstated, and the agency name was changed to the Yuba-Sutter Transit Authority (Yuba-Sutter Transit) effective January 1, 1993.