HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Macatawa Area Express (MAX Transit) officials say fixed-route service will resume starting March 1, 2021.
The public transportation system serving the greater Holland area will re-start Routes 1 through 8, with Routes 9, 10 and 11 not resuming until further notice.
Routes 1 through 8 will operate from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. with no Saturday service. Seating capacity will be limited to 20 passengers per bus. Passengers should anticipate some delays in service and plan trips accordingly, according to the MAX Transit statement emailed to media.
For now, MAX is limiting trips to those going to and from work, medical appointments, including COVID-19 vaccine appointments, and the grocery stores for essentials.
Passenger are required to wear masks upon boarding and riding the bus, as federally mandated.
Transit officials indicated decisions made on available services are being made based on discussions with local health agencies and following the MI Safe Start Plan.
“Our team has worked very hard to ensure that all MAX staff and our passengers feel confident that we are doing all that we can to keep our buses clean and safe while riding.” said Elisa Hoekwater, MAX Transit’s executive director. “As buses pull into the garage at the end of the day, they are thoroughly disinfected; using a fogging agent that is effective on the coronavirus, then tested for cleanliness of surfaces using an ATP monitoring system. Drivers disinfect their bus during their shift, and encourage passengers to use the hand sanitizer dispenser located on each bus in the fleet.”
MAX Transit currently runs Reserve-A-MAX limited service taking reservations from passengers who request rides to work, medical appointments or the grocery store, and Saturday rides to and from work or dialysis. This service, as well as a six-passenger limit per bus, will continue as the fixed routes resume, however will only be available to ADA card holders, seniors over 70 years of age, those that are farther than a half mile to the closest bus stop.
All rides for both the fixed routes and Reserve-A-MAX service will remain free of charge until further notice.
“We are thrilled to get our fixed route buses back on the road safely. The community has been very patient as we navigate this pandemic, and many passengers have expressed their gratitude as we continue to provide service during this difficult time.” Hoekwater said.
For service updates go to www.catchamax.org or call the customer-service hotline at (616) 355-1010.
The Depot lobby will be open to the public from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. MAX offices will remain closed until fare collection begins.
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