Free rides on Fairfax Connector and Metrobus end next month

A polycarbonate driver shield on a Fairfax Connector bus.

Free bus rides on Metrobus and Fairfax Connector, in effect during the pandemic, are ending next month. 

Bus riders will start paying fares on Metrobuses on Sunday, Jan. 3, and on Fairfax Connector buses on Monday, Jan. 4. Rear-door boarding is also ending on those dates. 

Both bus systems have installed shields to protect drivers and passengers.

Fare collections have been suspended on Metrobus since March and on Fairfax Connector since May due to COVID-19 safety protocols requiring rear-door boarding. Fareboxes and SmarTrip equipment are located at the front of buses. 

Face coverings are still mandatory for Fairfax Connector passengers and encouraged on Metrobuses. Fairfax Connector staff have distributed 66,000 face masks to passengers since May. 

“With everyone wearing masks, shields for operators on every bus, and enhanced daily cleanings, front-door boarding is safe, expands our capacity for more riders, and helps us resume some normalcy,” said Metro General Manager/CEO Paul Wiedefeld. “We also need to collect fares from every rider to keep essential Metro transit employees working and continue to provide essential service.”