CR Transit to resume modified service Monday

CEDAR RAPIDS - After almost two months of being off the road because of the coronavirus pandemic, Cedar Rapids Transit buses will resume running again Monday - but with changes for now.

The service will be available from 5:15 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, with hourly service except for Route 5, which will run in 15 minute intervals. Initially there will be no weekday peak service or Saturday service.

'We're going to be very flexible for what our ridership demands,” transit manager Brad DeBrower said Thursday during the Linn County Public Health briefing. 'We hope to phase in (weekday peak service and Saturday service) at a later date.”

Cedar Rapids Mayor Brad Hart said he knows a lot of people are excited for the buses to resume, but 'it's important to follow the guidelines.”

At this time, fares will not be collected and passengers will be required to enter and exit the bus through the back door. Riders with an accessibility issues may use the front door.

Face coverings - masks, bandannas, neck gaiters or scarves - are required for passengers on the bus and in the downtown Ground Transportation Center.

People will not be allowed to wait inside the Ground Transportation Center, but will have access to the restrooms and the information booth.

Bus capacity will be limited to 10 passengers at a time, and extra buses will be available for overflow if needed.

Yellow chains have been installed on each bus to serve as a barrier of 6 feet between passengers and the driver. Hand sanitizer is available for passengers.

Buses have been sanitized. High-touch surfaces and the Ground Transportation Center restrooms will be sanitized daily.

Transit employees will have daily screenings and temperature checks, and have access to face coverings, face shields, gloves, hand sanitizer and surface sanitizer.

Still, the city said its service should be used only for essential trips such as rides to work, the grocery store or medical appointments.

Neighborhood Transportation Service at Horizons and Linn County LIFTS will continue to provide services to fill transportation gaps.

To schedule a ride with Neighborhood Transportation Service, call 319-363-1321 at least 24 hours in advance. For more information, visit horizonsfamily.org.

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