ECAT Rides Are Free Beginning Today. But You Should Use The Rear Door.

April 6, 2020

Riders can now take Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) transportation for free, and they are being asked to use the rear door of the bus.

ECAT temporarily suspend fare collection for bus passengers due to COVID-19 In addition, bus passengers will be instructed to enter and exit through the rear doors only and sit behind the accessibility-reserved seating area. Front-door access will be permitted only for passengers needing the boarding ramp or operator assistance to access the bus. ADA accessible seating space near the front of the bus is reserved for individuals in mobility devices, individuals in need of special assistance and families with children in strollers.

The changes will provide some separation between the operator and the passengers—and between passengers. The changes are being implemented in addition to precautions already implemented by ECAT, including increased sanitizing efforts of every bus on a daily basis.

Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) is expected to receive $10.3 million in COVID-19 stimulus funding, and they are temporarily suspending all fares.

The CARES Act funds are for capital and operational expenses during COVID-19 for local transit services. It’s 100% funding with no local match required.

Comments

8 Responses to “ECAT Rides Are Free Beginning Today. But You Should Use The Rear Door.”

  1. MS. AnG on April 27th, 2020 3:08 pm

    When will the complimentary rrides cease?

  2. Confused..?? on April 10th, 2020 11:29 am

    @ Shelly House,you just contradicted your self honey..

  3. Shelly House on April 7th, 2020 12:31 am

    Does the busses still run every 2 or 4 hours that sux i only go to plasma an since i cant sit or stand for long im glad i have a car when i need 1

  4. Shelly House on April 7th, 2020 12:29 am

    For us that ride the bus i appreciate the free rides i get on i dont touch anything or speak to anyone i keep my distance an it saves me a butt load of walking so yes thank u

  5. ensley boy on April 6th, 2020 7:43 pm

    How can they justify the gas tax for the bus service if they have a grant to operate?

  6. Tom on April 6th, 2020 2:19 pm

    I am lucky enough to own and drive a reliable car. This hate for public transportation I frequently see is something I do not share. There are a lot of people who very well do not own a car and are near poverty levels in this county. As well we all know that there has been mass lay-offs leading some people to lose there only income and maybe there cars with it. I support any and all actions to help those in need get back to work and travel see family and buy groceries.

  7. Wade on April 6th, 2020 6:25 am

    If they are going to have free rides they should suspend the 3 cent gas tax. We should not have to continue paying.
    They should shut down the bus service it’s a rolling virus bomb

  8. Oversight on April 6th, 2020 6:18 am

    Since it’s “free” because the federal government is paying, the BOCC should suspend (forever) the nickle a gallon gas tax for ECAT.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News