KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — In light of the COVID-19 outbreak in Michigan, with cases confirmed in Kalamazoo County, Kalamazoo Metro has announced that they will go fare-free for the time being.
Precautions have already been taken by closing the main transit facility downtown. Further steps have been implemented to ensure the sanitation of all public buses.
Monday, Governor Whitmer announced a stay-at-home order directed at all citizens that do not work in essential industries.
This order prohibits all businesses and operations from requiring workers to leave their homes, “unless those workers are necessary to sustain or protect life or to conduct minimum basic operations,” an official statement reads.
Following the order, Kalamazoo Metro announced the temporary suspension of bus fare to be effective on Tuesday, March 24.
“Passengers need to use the transit system only for essential trips, such as work, medical, and groceries, to minimize the amount of contact with others and the community in order for the buses to continue to operate,” officials said in a statement. “As of Tuesday, March 24, all public transit service will be fare free until further notice for both Metro fixed route and Metro Connect. No payment of fare will be collected for either service when boarding.”
All passengers utilizing the bus service are asked to adhere to the following guidelines:
- Use Metro for essential travel only.
- Use social spacing when riding – Maintain distance from the driver and other passengers on the bus.
- board and exit the bus from the rear door.
- Those needing to use a ramp to board will be able to do so at the front door.
Buses will continue to be cleaned frequently.
Developments with Kalamazoo Metro can be followed online at www.kmetro.com or by calling 269-337‐8222. Additional updates are also available on Facebook at Metro Transit.
