After more than a year of altered service, Chapel Hill Transit is set to return to full operation next week, however eight routes will see some changes to operations.

Because of COVID-19, Chapel Hill Transit was running on reduced operations with several bus routes not in service. Beginning in August, the B, CCX, F, G, JFX, T, and Safe Ride routes will run again.

Although all routes will return, Brian Litchfield, the director of Chapel Hill Transit, said riders could see some changes to their normal commute.

“We’re still about 32 bus operators short of what we normally need,” Litchfield said. “While we’re starting our near-normal service in August there’s some differences that folks will see or may notice as we move into that time period.”

Because of the operator shortage, Litchfield said some trips on the J, NS, NU, RU, and S routes will run less frequently. Additionally, Carolina Livery vehicles will take over services for the B, CCX, and JFX routes until further notice.

To keep riders safe during COVID-19, some safety precautions remain in place for all buses.

Face coverings are still required on all vehicles and are available on all vehicles for anyone without one.

Along with HEPA filters, Ultra-violet technology is also installed in all vehicles to kill coronaviruses on surfaces and transit vehicles are cleaned multiple times a day.

One thing different from the height of the pandemic: capacity limits are not currently in place for buses. Litchfield said passengers will also now be able to board from both doors of the bus beginning Monday, August 2.

“Our commitment is first and foremost to providing safe services not only for our customers but also making sure our operators are safe as well too because without them we’re not able to provide any service,” Litchfield said.

While this August will still be different from pre-pandemic operations, Litchfield said he hopes the COVID-19 adjustments made will be short-lived.

“We all have a responsibility to do what we can to keep ourselves and our community safe,” said Litchfield, “so [we] just ask for folks’ patience, [to] continue to be kind to our operators, be kind to your fellow customers as well. Wear a face covering and be safe.”

To learn more about Chapel Hill Transit’s return to full service and changes to route operations, click here.

 

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