A monthly bus service from Point Reyes Station to three shopping centers in Novato will open to the general public starting Monday, July 11, Marin Transit announced this week. West Marin Senior Services has operated the reservation-only bus with the help of a grant from the transit district for many months. But now Marin Transit will run the service, which costs $6,000 a year to operate, in hopes that opening it up to the general public will boost ridership. Right now about five to eight people ride the 12-seat bus every month, said John Gaffney, the senior mobility analyst for Marin Transit. Despite the change, the main goal—providing access to budget-friendly stores—is the same. “It’s been popular with people at Walnut Place. They need somewhere to shop affordably,” he said. If demand increases significantly, the district will add a second bus service on a different day of the month. Reservations must be made before noon the day before the bus ride, but no more than seven days ahead. The fare is $2.50 each way. Reservations can be made at (415) 892.7899.