One of the most popular transit systems in Orange and Durham Counties will not charge its bus passengers for the next year, continuing a fare-free model established during the coronavirus pandemic.

GoTriangle announced on Monday it will continue its suspension of bus fares for GoDurham, GoRaleigh, GoCary and other GoTriangle routes through June 30, 2022. A release from the transit company said the agencies chose not to include fare renevue in the budgets prepared for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins on July 1, meaning the model could be extended. GoTriangle also said it aims to ease financial burdens for frontline workers and other community members during this period of adaptation to the COVID-19 virus.

“The transit providers in our area are suspending all fares for the next year to ensure that our residents can access jobs, health care, education and other opportunities regardless of their financial situation while maintaining their safety as well as that of our operators,” said Michael Parker, chairman of the GoTriangle Board of Trustees who also serves on the Chapel Hill Town Council. “We are looking forward to welcoming all residents of the Triangle onto our vehicles.”

The GoTriangle transit agencies initially suspended bus fares in March 2020 as they asked riders to enter buses through rear doors and to not charge those using transit to travel to critical jobs or resources. In its release, the transit agency said it is committed to the safety of its passengers and employees, with the hope that this suspension will also encourage people to try transit as a method to avoid traffic congestion and help address climate change.

With regional routes through Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough, GoTriangle is frequently used by Orange County residents. The other main transit system, Chapel Hill Transit, which is a partner with GoTriangle, runs on an entirely fare-free model. While Chapel Hill Transit has operated with a limited slate of bus routes, the system is set to return to its full operations in August.

At this time, only GoDurham buses have returned to all-door boarding. The federal government’s mask requirement remains in place for all public transit providers through at least September 13 to limit any spread of COVID-19.

Additional GoTriangle bus routes and details can be found on the transit system’s website.

 

Photo via GoTriangle.

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