KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Kalamazoo Metro has announced further measures into reducing services in order to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Previously, Kalamazoo Metro had announced that they would be going fare-free in the midst of the outbreak. Now, the amount of timed stops are being reduced on each route.
Starting on March 25, buses will run once per hour. Metro says the hours of operation are roughly equivalent to hourly service provided on Saturdays.
Even with reduced stop times, passengers are still expected to follow established guidelines. Passengers will continue to board and exit from the rear door and will not be required to pay a fare.
Officials also say the transit system should be used only for essential trips to minimize the amount of contact with others and the community in order for the buses to continue operating.
The new schedule can be viewed in full below:
- Route 1 – Westnedge – 6:15 a.m. – 10:08 p.m.
- Route 2 – Portage – 6:15 a.m. – 10:08 p.m.
- Route 3 – West Michigan – 6:00 a.m. – 9:55 p.m.
- Route 4 – Oakland – 6:15 a.m. – 10:08 p.m.
- Route 5 – East Main – 6:15 a.m. – 9:38 p.m.
- Route 6 – Parchment – 6:15 a.m. – 10:08 p.m.
- Route 7 – Alamo – 6:15 a.m. -10:08 p.m.
- Route 8 – Egleston – 6:15 a.m. – 10:08 p.m.
- Route 9 – Gull – 6:15 a.m. – 10:08 p.m.
- Route 10 – Comstock – 6:15 a.m. – 10:08 p.m.
- Route 11 – Stadium – 6:15 a.m. – 10:08 p.m.
- Route 12 – Duke 6:15 am – 9:15 am / 2:15 pm – 7:10 pm (Monday – Friday)
- Route 13 – Burdick – 6:15 am – 10:08 pm
- Route 14 – West Main – 6:15 am – 10:08 pm
- Route 15 – Paterson – 6:45 am – 10:08 pm
- Route 16 – Lovell – 6:15 am – 10:08 pm
- Route 21 – Solon Kendall – NO SERVICE
- Route 26 – Centre – 6:33 am – 9:33 pm
- Route 27 – Romence – 6:25 am – 9:45 pm
Additionally, Metro Connect will provide service to bus passengers taking “essential workforce” trips from 10:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m. Monday through Friday.
An essential workforce trip includes
- health care workers,
- emergency medical service providers,
- first responders,
- law enforcement,
- sanitation workers,
- childcare providers,
- postal workers,
- transit workers,
- grocery store workers or others providing supplies, goods or equipment or those others providing critical infrastructure to Michigan.
Rides can be scheduled up to seven days in advance, seven days a week, from 8:00 am until 5:00 p.m. by calling (269) 350-2970.
Further information can be found at Metro’s website at www.kmetro.com or by calling (269) 337-8222. Additional updates are also available on Facebook at Metro Transit.
