CapMetro to Resume Fares on June 1, Introduces Workforce Aid Pass and New Safety Shields
AUSTIN, Texas (May 21, 2020) - CapMetro's free fare period extends through May 31, after which fare collection will resume on June 1 for all CapMetro services. The agency will also introduce its Workforce Aid Pass, valid for the month of June. Through this program, CapMetro will offer fare-free service to community members who are experiencing unemployment.
Plexiglass shields will be installed on all CapMetro vehicles by the end of the month to offer further protection to operators and customers. With fares returning on June 1, customers will be able to board through the front door. CapMetro implemented fare-free service on April 1 in order to protect both customers and operators. The agency also required all passengers to use rear door boarding in order to further promote social distancing and slow the spread of COVID-19.
In order to offer relief during the pandemic, the transit agency will continue fare-free service through the end of June for customers experiencing unemployment. Anyone who is currently unemployed and has been approved with the Texas Workforce Commission for unemployment benefits is eligible for the Workforce Aid Pass.
"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."
To receive the Workforce Aid Pass, customers must submit acknowledgement 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 receive their pass electronically through the CapMetro App, pick up a physical pass at the Transit Store or have a physical pass mailed to them.
“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, the local workforce development board for Travis County and a private, publicly-funded nonprofit organization. “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.”
To learn more about the Workforce Aid Pass, visit CapMetro.org/Workforce.
The following health and safety measures will remain in place across all CapMetro services 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.
CapMetro will continue to monitor developments, along with recommendations from local, state and federal health officials. To learn more about what CapMetro is doing to promote a safe and healthy environment, visit CapMetro.org/COVID19.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Jenna Maxfield, 512-592-2171
CCR-Communications@capmetro.org