CapMetro to resume fares June 1, offers fare-free service to the unemployed

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AUSTIN, Texas - CapMetro's free-fare period will come to an end on May 31, as the transit company announces it will resume fare collection on June 1.

CapMetro originally implemented the fare-free service on April 1 in order to protect both customers and employees. The company took further measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 as they required all passengers to use rear door entrancers when boarding the CapMetro vehicles as to encourage social distancing.

The company says plexiglass shields will be installed on all vehicles by the end of the month and customers will be able to board from the front of the bus again.

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CapMetro will also introduce it's Workforce Aid Pass, valid for the month of June, to help those in the community experiencing unemployment continue to receive fare-free rides.

"We're really proud of the way our CapMetro team has adjusted these past few months to care for our community," said CapMetro President and CEO Randy Clarke. "We want to further extend our support for members of the community who are experiencing unemployment and are maybe even using CapMetro services to find their next job."

Anyone who is currently unemployed and has been approved by the Texas Workforce Commission for unemployment benefits is eligible for the workforce pass, CapMetro said.

“Many of Austin’s residents are now unemployed and seeking work again, and Workforce Solutions Capital Area, in partnership with the Texas Workforce Commission, is the connection to help them accomplish that,” said Tamara Atkinson, Chief Executive Officer for Workforce Solutions Capital Area. “We have assisted many people in Austin to apply for unemployment benefits with TWC. Now as we connect Austinites with new employment and training opportunities, the new Workforce Aid Pass will help them get around town to work and learn.”

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To receive the Workforce Aid Pass, customers must submit acknowledgment of their unemployment status from the Texas Workforce Commission. They will then need to forward that documentation to workforce@capmetro.org, submit it at CapMetro.org/Workforce or present the documentation at CapMetro’s Transit Store, located at 209 W. 9th St. Customers can then receive their passes electronically through the CapMetro App, pick it up in person at a transit store, or have a physical pass mailed to them.

CapMetro will continue to follow these safety measures until further notice:

Enhanced cleaning and disinfection procedures will continue on CapMetro vehicles throughout the day.
Skip-a-seat signage is still present on CapMetro vehicles to promote social distancing.
All customers are required to wear a facial covering while using CapMetro services.
CapMetro operators are provided facial coverings to wear during their shifts.
Customers are asked to practice good hygiene practices and not ride transit if feeling sick.

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