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PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release:
December 29, 2020
For more information, contact:
Paulette L. Jones
Public Information Officer
Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation
Office: (301) 883-5600 Cell: (240) 712-0298
TheBus Reinstates Fare Collection at Reduced Rate of $1.00
LARGO, MD – Beginning Monday, January 4, 2021, Prince George’s County’s “TheBus” will join the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and several regional partners in reinstatement of front-door bus boarding and fare collection. Providers, including “TheBus”, are joining WMATA in this step towards normalcy. These changes come after extensive safety and cleaning protocols were introduced into the system, including the installation of protective barriers on all vehicles.
The standard one-way fare for “TheBus” during COVID-19 operations will be reduced from the regular fare of $1.25 to $1.00. Seniors (65+ and older) and persons with disabilities will continue to ride for free, with government-issued photo identification. Children two years old and under ride for free with an adult.
“TheBus” routes will continue to operate with recently improved 30-minute frequencies on most routes, along with newly implemented Saturday service and the “PGC Link”, a microtransit service being piloted for $2 per ride. Daily service on “TheBus” will continue to operate Monday through Saturday from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. The “PGC Link” provides on-demand service Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, serving the Fort Washington/Oxon Hill Zone. Additionally, “Call-A-Bus” is operating trips requiring reservations made seven days in advance.
To promote social distancing, decrease boarding time, and reduce line queuing, riders are encouraged to use SmarTrip cards with preloaded value or use the SmarTrip app available in the Apple iOS store. Fare can also be purchased at the WMATA website (https://www.wmata.com/fares/smartrip/) and at all Metrorail stations. Riders without pre-paid fares should have exact fare readily accessible for swift payment and to mitigate exposure to transit operators.
All passengers must wear a mask or face covering that covers the mouth and nose when using public transit. This requirement does not apply to children five years old or younger, or individuals who are unable to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical condition. Customers who feel ill or are experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms should not ride public transportation.
“TheBus” urges the community to continue practicing social distancing when using transit and to exit from the rear door of the vehicle to create a one-way flow of traffic aboard the coach. Those utilizing mobility assistance devices may still use the front door to exit. These practices will help to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
For more information regarding fare, visit https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/1121/Fares-Rules.
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