June 8, 2020

Metro Implementing Additional Service Adjustments Starting Monday, June 14

Kalamazoo, MI – Metro has adjusted service as a result of COVID-19 related reasons over the past fifteen months. Service changes beginning on Monday, June 14 include:

• Additional seating for passengers. Buses will have all seats available for passenger use.

• Hourly service on routes 1-Westnedge, 5-East Main and 15-Paterson.

• Saturday service hours from 8:15 am to 4:15 pm. The start and end times will impact Saturday service only.

“We appreciate the public’s patience while we continue to make service adjustments. Like many employers throughout the region and across the country, we are having to make service adjustments to accommodate our current staffing level. Metro plans to have service times and days back to pre-COVID levels as fast as we can while being mindful of the impacts COVID has had in our community,” stated Sean McBride, Executive Director for Metro.

Metro is hiring Coach Operators with an excellent benefit package as well as free Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training. Applicants can apply online at kmetro.com/employment or contact Metro’s Senior Human Resources Generalist at (269) 337-8421 or deyoungc@kmetro.com.

Monday through Friday service hours remain 6:15 am to 10 pm. Federal law requires riders to continue to wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth on trains, airplanes, and buses. Rear door boarding and no fare collection continues until a future date to be announced later this summer.

Metro Connect service will remain unchanged. Rides can be scheduled up to seven days in advance by calling (269) 350-2970.

For additional information, call (269) 337-8222.

Metro and Metro Connect will not be operating on Monday, May 31.  Service returns on Tuesday, June 1.

As of May 14, 2021, masks are still required on public transportation.

In accordance with new guidelines released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, passengers on public transportation such as Metro are still required to wear a mask on all planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and in the U.S transportation hubs such as airports and bus stations (Issued May 13, 2021)

Metro bus riders must continue to wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth. Bandanas, neck gaiters, and scarves continue to be prohibited.

Thank you for your cooperation!

April 13, 2021

Metro Reducing Service in Response to Rising COVID-19 Cases and Driver Shortage

Kalamazoo, MI – Metro’s fixed route buses will be reducing hours to the fixed route bus system starting Monday, April 19 due to the number of COVID-19 cases increasing in the community and a driver shortage for the transit system.   

Changes to the bus schedule include:

• Route 1 Westnedge will have half hour service from 5:45 am to 5:45 pm Monday through Friday. 
• Route 9 Gull, 13 South Burdick, and 16 Lovell will discontinue half-hour service and operate hourly Monday through Saturday.
• Starting April 24, all Saturday bus routes will operate hourly until 6:08 pm.

These route changes will be until further notice.  Detailed schedule information and updates are available at kmetro.com or by calling (269) 337-8222.  Metro information is also available on Facebook and Twitter.

“In the recent weeks, we have been seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases in the community as well as experiencing a driver shortage.  As a system, Metro is committed to providing safe, reliable public transportation but we also recognize that bus schedules may need to be adjusted to continue providing transit to those who need it the most without having large cuts in service,” stated Sean McBride, Executive Director for Metro. 

Since March 2020, Metro has provided free rides on both the fixed route Metro system as well as the demand response system, Metro Connect.  Metro Connect continues to be available to those needing essential transportation after 10 pm Monday through Saturday and from 8 am – 6 pm on Sunday by calling (269) 350-2970.  “Right now, we don’t see a return to front door boarding on the fixed route system or charging fares for both systems.  What we do ask is that individuals use the bus for essential trips, such as to work, groceries, or medical appointments.  Consolidating trips and traveling when necessary allows for everyone to ride when needed,” McBride continued.

Due to Federal requirements, passengers will be asked to have a face mask on that covers both the nose and mouth when boarding and while riding the bus.  Face coverings such as bandanas, scarves, and gators will not be allowed on the bus.  

Apply to be a part of the Metro team!  Job postings listed at https://www.kmetro.com/employment

In compliance with theauthority of Senate Bill 1246 adopted December 15, 2020 Amending the Open Meetings Ace for Participation in Public Meetings the CCTA/KCTA Regular Board Meeting will be held electronically via Zoom.  Instructions will be available on the CCTA/KCTA web packet prior to the meeting.  The next CCTA/KCTA Board Meeting will be held on July 12, 2021.

We recently switched to using the myStop Mobile app to get information from Track My Bus on your phone.