By Heart of Illinois ABC
NORMAL – Connect Transit passengers in the Twin-Cities can ride public buses for free until the end of May, but they’re on notice they’ll probably have to pay fares again starting in June.
The bus system’s board of trustees suspended fare collection a year ago at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce crowding at the front doors and fareboxes, and to reduce interaction with bus drivers.
Tuesday, the board decided to continue providing free bus rides until the end of May.
Barring a spike in COVID cases or some other health hazard, Trustees Chair Ryan Whitehouse said with the vaccine soon to be readily available, the bus system shouldn’t have to take steps protecting people choosing not to be vaccinated.
“I do feel it’s the fiscally responsible thing to start collecting fares if it’s safe,” said Whitehouse.
“Other systems are doing it, and it’s my understanding that April 12, pretty much anyone under the sun is eligible for the vaccination,” Whitehouse said.
He said the board will discuss the matter again at monthly meetings in April and May.
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