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Tulsa Transit Makes Fixed-Route Buses, Lift Service Free in April to Limit Contact with Drivers

Tulsa Transit

Tulsa Transit’s fixed-route buses and Lift service will not collect fares during the month of April.

The intent is to minimize the contact drivers have with the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This isn’t lowering fares to try to get more people to take the bus. This is lowering — getting rid of fares to limit contact and limit spread or risk of spread of the virus," said Tulsa Transit Board member Adam Doverspike.

General Manager Ted Rieck said not collecting fares will mean less risk to Tulsa Transit office workers who handle cash, too.

"Also, we have a lot of people who may be marginal on their employment. So, this is a way to help them out as well as help our employees out," Rieck said.

Riders will be asked to use the rear doors of buses whenever possible. Tulsa Transit will still limit buses to eight to 12 passengers at drivers’ discretion.

The city is under a safer at home order, so people should ride the bus only for essential travel and should not start riding the bus if they otherwise were not. The board will re-evaluate the policy each month.

Transit is designated an essential service, so buses continue to run during the COVID-19 emergency.

Matt Trotter joined KWGS as a reporter in 2013. Before coming to Public Radio Tulsa, he was the investigative producer at KJRH. His freelance work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times and on MSNBC and CNN.
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