Austin Buses Reinstate Fares In June

AUSTIN, TX — After waiving fares for bus riders in May — a reprieve undertaken to offer relief from payment in light of the coronavirus spread — Capital Metro has reinstated charges to take public transit, officials said Monday.

In response to the spread of respiratory illness, Cap Metro began operating at a modified level of service starting March 18 as explained on the transit agency's website. To promote physical distancing and protect drivers, riders were able to board buses only through the rear door throughout May.

Cap Metro now has reinstated fares for most customers in June, officials said. The agency also is working with community partners like H-E-B, the Central Texas Food Bank and Good Apple to ensure our MetroAccess clients and others with the most need receive essential home goods and groceries through our home deliveries.

Cap Metro offered a breakdown:

• Most MetroBus and MetroRapid services are operating their normal Sunday schedules. For detailed route information, visit our Schedules and Maps and select an individual route page.
• Since March 30, most MetroExpress routes have suspended service temporarily. Route 935, Route 985 and Route 990 will provide adjusted Commuter service. See below for details.
• MetroRail is operating a Monday-Friday daytime schedule, with no Saturday service and no Late-Night trips on Friday.
• The new Route 455 Leander Shuttle supplements the reduced weekend MetroRail service for Leander customers. It operates Saturdays between Leander and Lakeline Stations.
• Some MetroFlyer routes are operating reduced versions of their weekday schedules.
• Night Owl routes are not operating.
• The on-demand Pickup service operates weekdays between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• Customers are required to wear a face covering and board the bus using the rear door to comply with social distancing advisories. This will help protect our operators and our customers. If you have a disability that affects your ability to wear a face covering, please contact Martin Kareithi, our program manager of accessible services, to request a reasonable modification. Call 512-389-7583 or email martin.kareithi@capmetro.org. Those using wheel chairs and other mobility devices or who need to use the ramp may use the front door.
• MetroAccess service operates with service boundaries mirroring our adjusted schedules.
• UT Shuttle service will not operate while the shelter-in-place order is in effect.

For more information, visit the Cap Metro website by clicking here.