People riding Hampton Roads Transit won’t have to pay a fare for the time being.
HRT’s governing board recently decided to temporarily suspend fare collections during the coronavirus pandemic.
The suspension starts Friday and goes through June 10.
“The move is part of the continuing effort to limit social contact by allowing customers to forego paying a fare, limit interaction with the operator, and not contact the fare box, among the most touched objects in a transit bus,” according to HRT’s news release. “During this period of no fare collection, HRT also is encouraging customers to board and exit at the rear of the bus, if they are able, while handicapped patrons and others requiring the bus to kneel for easy front access can still board at the front.”
To make up for city ridership budgets during the suspension, the Transportation District Commission will use COVID-19 state and federal funds.
Previously, HRT reduced its hours of operation and set up social distancing measures on its buses by blocking off certain bus seats, part of agency’s Essential Plan.
For more information, visit the Hampton Roads Transit’s website.
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