King County Metro and Sound Transit temporarily suspend fare enforcement amid COVID-19 outbreak

A King County Metro bus makes a stop on 3rd Avenue, Monday, April 2, 2018. A King County Metro bus makes a stop on 3rd Avenue, Monday, April 2, 2018. Photo: GENNA MARTIN, SEATTLEPI.COM Photo: GENNA MARTIN, SEATTLEPI.COM Image 1 of / 6 Caption Close King County Metro and Sound Transit temporarily suspend fare enforcement amid COVID-19 outbreak 1 / 6 Back to Gallery

To increase social distancing during the COVID-19 outbreak in Seattle, both King County Metro and Sound Transit announced Thursday that they will temporarily suspend fare enforcement inspections.

Riders on each are still expected to pay the required fare before boarding, and fare enforcement officers will be present on coaches, trains and station platforms to provide customer support and ensure safety.

"As our region responds to novel coronavirus (COVID-19), King County Metro temporarily ceased in-person fare enforcement inspections during the crisis response. Fares are still required, and passengers are still expected to pay or to tap their ORCA card," wrote Metro's Lead Public Information Officer Jeff Switzer in a blog post.

Sound Transit emphasized that while it is suspending enforcement to reduce virus transmission risks, the revenue generated from fares is vital support to keep public transit operating.

"During this challenging time Sound Transit is committed to maintaining services that are vital to enabling the region’s communities to continue functioning," wrote Sound Transit in a blog post. "We ask all riders to continue observing the protective measures that are being emphasized by health authorities."

Both transit services are taking extra precautions to clean and disinfect vehicles. Metro announced crews will be disinfecting every bus every night with new battery-powered backpack sprayers. The new equipment will allow crews to reach "all areas of the bus including the transit operator’s work area and all high-touch surfaces throughout the bus."

Sound Transit also increased cleaning frequency on trains and at stations multiple times a day to reduce transmission and is reminding people to follow health guidelines.

"People who experience potential symptoms need to avoid public areas, including riding transit. It’s critical that we all wash our hands frequently and thoroughly, including before and after riding. We need to avoid touching our faces with unwashed hands, and cover sneezes and coughs," wrote Sound Transit. "These actions that are up to each of us to observe will have the greatest impact protecting ourselves, our families and our communities."

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