By HOI ABC

NORMAL – Decision-makers for the Bloomington-Normal public transit system say free bus rides will come to an end soon as more people receive their COVID-19 vaccinations.

The Connect Transit Board of Trustees did not take a formal vote, but no one at Tuesday’s board meeting voiced objections to resuming fare collections beginning June 1.

Connect Transit has not been charging passengers since the start of the pandemic in March 2020 to reduce crowding at front doors and fareboxes, and to reduce interactions with bus drivers.

“While we were fortunate enough to receive funding to pay and to cover the losses of that revenue, it’s a big chunk of money,” said Board Chairman Ryan Whitehouse.

Board member Judy Buchanan said the bus system can revert back to free fares if COVID numbers head in the wrong direction.

“We have been particularly sensitive, and I’m proud of that,” Buchanan said.

Whitehouse asked that Connect Transit spend CARES Act dollars to get the word out through advertising that Connect Transit will collect fares under the “One Rate For All” plan approved before the pandemic.

“This is an important step for our community to commit to “One Rate For All” for individuals with disabilities and those without,” said board member Deb Presley.

“It’s a recognition that in transportation, everybody is being treated the same with regard to fares,” Presley also said.

Connect Transit trustees noted other systems like CityLink in Peoria are collecting fares again. CityLink resumed fare collection in January.