The free ride is almost over, so to speak in Santa Barbara County.
This is the final weekend that Santa Barbara’s Metropolitan Transit District is going fare-free. Like many bus systems, for more than a year the MTD hasn’t been charging passenger due to the pandemic.
Starting on Monday, all passengers will once be required to pay with cash or a bus pass.
The fare remains the same as it was at pre-pandemic levels, which is $1.75 for a cash ride. Frequent riders are being urged to get bus passes which will save riders money, as well as offering a contactless form of payment.
The new MTD transit center in Santa Barbara has now opened. (Photo: John Palminteri)
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The newly remodeled Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) Center has opened in Santa Barbara.
The center at 1020 Chapala Street downtown was remodeled over the last year but it was not opened until now when the COVID-19 rules were eased back.
The site will be open for information and to buy transit passes. For now, the MTD says it will not be a sitting area.
It has informational screens to assist passengers on the timing schedules for buses coming and going.
The screens can be seen inside the center or through the outside windows.
The new MTD transit center opens Monday in Santa Barbara. Fares resume May 10. (Photo: John Palminteri)
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The Metropolitan Transit District in Santa Barbara is opening its new transit center downtown Monday after a remodeling project and a COVID-19 shut down.
The center is on Chapala Street between Carrillo and Figueroa St.
The public will only be allowed in, for now, to buy bus passes and get information from the staff. It will not be open as a waiting area. There are also special machines to dispense bus passes. Riders can pay with a credit card or cash.
Santa Barbara MTD buses temporarily reducing passenger capacity
and last updated 2020-12-22 20:27:11-05
Buses with Santa Barbara s Metropolitan Transit District will decrease the number of passengers allowed on board starting Wednesday.
Only 12 passengers will be allowed on a 40 foot bus, and eight passengers on a 30 foot bus.
If a bus has already reached max capacity, the driver will pass by anyone waiting a bus stop, something that s been done throughout the pandemic.
The new bus capacity policy will stay in effect through Jan. 8.
Passengers are asked to keep six feet distance from others and wear face and nose covering to reduce the spread of covid-19.