BUTTE COUNTY — Beginning Monday, the B-Line public transit service will be waiving fares to all passengers on its fixed route and paratransit systems.

The free fares will continue until the end of May, during which the B-Line will reassess the situation.

According to a Friday press release, the B-Line can offer free rides as a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act signed into law March 27. Along with easing the financial burden, free fares will allow for social distancing between the bus driver and passengers.

Passengers will be able to bypass the farebox located near the driver and enter by the rear door. Only those who need to use ramp will board through the front door.

A barrier will also be placed to separate the majority of the seats from the ADA seats and driver’s section.

To help stop the spread of COVID-19, the B-Line cleans and sanitizes vehicles every evening and wipes down all the most touched areas whenever pulling into the Transit Center during the day.

The B-Line is currently operating all its normal schedule except for routes eight and nine, the student shuttle routes that mainly serve Chico State students, faculty and staff. These routes have been reduced from a half-hour to an hourly service.

The regular fare to ride the B-Line in-town is $1.75 and intercity routes are normally $2.40. The normal pares for the paratransit service is $3.50 and riders must be pre-registered for the system.