A rider boards a Cedar Rapids Transit bus in an undated photo. CREDIT KCRG-TV9.
By CBJ News Staff
news@corridorbusiness.com
The city of Cedar Rapids’ transit system is increasing its ridership capacity from 10 people per bus to 15 beginning today. “Many residents have expressed their appreciation for resuming bus service, and riders are following mask requirements, social distancing and capacity limits,” Transit Manager Brad DeBrower said in a release. “Daily ridership has slowly been increasing since restarting service in May. More trips have been reaching the 10-passenger capacity, requiring the use of standby buses more often. With the current measures in place, we feel we are safely able to increase capacity and allow more residents to utilize our transit service.”
Transit Service will continue to be available on weekdays, Monday through Friday from 5:15 a.m.-7 p.m., with hourly service on all routes except for Route 5, which will run in 15-minute intervals. There is no weekday peak service or Saturday service at this time.
Fares are currently not being collected and passengers will continue to be required to enter and exit the bus through the back door, unless they have an ADA accessibility issue that requires the use of the front door. Passengers are required to wear face coverings on the bus or in the Ground Transportation Center (GTC).
Passengers are asked to limit transit use for only essential trips, such as rides to work, the grocery store, or medical appointments. Passenger are not allowed to wait inside the GTC, but have access to the restrooms and information booth.
The city will continue to partner with Horizons/NTS and with Linn County LIFTS to fill in any transportation service gaps. Adjustments will be made when necessary as conditions and needs change. CBJ
