MTA buses to collect fare, allow boarding through front door for first time in 5 months

Riders now have to pay to ride MTA buses again, and boarding through the front door is now allowed again.

News 12 Staff

Aug 31, 2020, 10:11 AM

Updated 1,558 days ago

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Riders now have to pay to ride MTA buses again, and boarding through the front door is now allowed again.
It's been about five months since riders haven't had to pay fare due to the pandemic, but now people will now be able to use the front door of the bus and will be required to swipe their MetroCards.
Since March, the MTA was directing riders to board through the rear doors. They also blocked off areas near bus drivers with yellow chains to keep workers safe and help with social distancing during the pandemic.
The agency has officially said things are going back to some normalcy adding even more space for riders, but there are safety precautions they're taking.
Officials say air filters will be installed in thousands of buses in the upcoming weeks, as well as new barriers and sliders that will continue to protect bus operators and allow more distance between customers.
Mask dispensers will also be on board for riders who do not have a mask.
According to the agency, it is deploying MTA Bridge and Tunnel police officers to reinforce fare collection. If riders are caught skipping the fare, they could face up to a $100 fine.
The MTA has announced it is facing the worst financial crisis in history. At this point, it has asked Congress for $12 billion in relief help with revenue losses.