The Bus suspends fares on rides in Merced County during coronavirus pandemic
The Bus is suspending collection of fares for all fixed-route and paratransit service. The new policy goes into effect on Friday, April 10, according to a news release.
New safety precautions will also go into effect to protect passengers and drivers during the coronavirus) pandemic.
“The fare suspension is critical to protecting the drivers operating this essential service for our community,” said Christine Chavez, Transit Manager for The Bus.
“By temporarily discontinuing the collection of bus fares, drivers will not have to come into close physical contact with each passenger boarding the bus or handle any cash transactions which is another potential source of exposure.”
Plastic coverings will be added to the front of the bus to separate drivers from the passengers. The buses are already being disinfected daily and social distancing measures are in place on the buses, the release said.
Passengers are encouraged to wear masks while riding inside the vehicles. The Bus may only be used for essential services in accordance to the order by the Merced County Public Health Department. Bus drivers will re required to wear masks as long as supplies are available.
As of Thursday April 9, there were 52 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Merced County with three known deaths.
The Bus is the single public transportation service provider for all of Merced County and is administered by the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County and managed by the Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG), according to the release.
This story was originally published April 10, 2020 at 3:44 PM.
