ECAT To Receive $10.3 Million In Federal Funding; Temporarily Suspends Fares

April 3, 2020

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.

Beginning Monday, April 6, ECAT will temporarily suspend fare collection for passengers of ECAT bus services 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 Mass Transit Director Tonya Ellis stated, “In continuing service during this state of emergency, our priority remains the safety and health of our employees and passengers. By eliminating close interactions at bus fareboxes, we can better implement social distancing by avoiding interaction in this high contact area.”

Comments

4 Responses to “ECAT To Receive $10.3 Million In Federal Funding; Temporarily Suspends Fares”

  1. Ray on April 8th, 2020 11:44 am

    Where are they putting this 10.3 million?

  2. ensley boy on April 5th, 2020 11:35 am

    Ridership could increase to a high of as much as 10 people per bus.

  3. gmp on April 3rd, 2020 11:45 pm

    Tr these buses are a vital lifeline to so many people who rely on them to be able to get to work and the grocery store.

  4. Tr on April 3rd, 2020 10:35 pm

    People out of work and keep lights and water on,can’t find neccessary basic goods but the government can give out 10million for bus rides

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News