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WGLT's reporting on the coronavirus pandemic, which began in McLean County in March 2020.

Pandemic Fare Loss To Top $700K For Connect Transit

Transit buses
Staff
/
WGLT
Connect Transit has extended its period of no fares until early November.

Bloomington Normal's public bus system will continue free rides through the first week in November.

The Connect Transit board has suspended fare collections on fixed route and Connect Mobility Paratransit services as part of its response to the pandemic.

That makes close to nine months of free rides, so far. Connect Transit estimates the lost fares total about $80,500 per month for an estimated total that will top $700,000 by the time the current extension is due to expire.

The agency said federal relief funding will replace some of that lost revenue.

Connect Transit continues to run reduced routes to allow extra cleaning of buses.

We’re living in unprecedented times when information changes by the minute. WGLT will continue to be here for you, keeping you up-to-date with the live, local and trusted news you need. Help ensure WGLT can continue with its in-depth and comprehensive COVID-19 coverage as the situation evolves by making a contribution.

WGLT Senior Reporter Charlie Schlenker has spent more than three award-winning decades in radio. He lives in Normal with his family.
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