The transit system serving Oregon’s capital city has suspended all scheduled services as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
Cherriots announced Monday evening that seven of its employees have tested positive for COVID-19, and that all bus service would be canceled until further notice.
Like many transit agencies, Cherriots had been operating on a reduced schedule and had not been charging fares. Demand for public transit has plummeted as many commuters are working from home or have been laid off.
Normally, Cherriots operates 27 bus routes that serve local commuters in Salem and Keizer and intercity service to outlying towns in Marion and Polk Couunties. After years of offering weekday service only, Cherriots expanded to offer Saturday service last September. The buses were going to start operating on Sundays and holidays starting in May, but Cherriots announced recently that the Sunday expansion would be on hold indefinitely.
Cherriots says its "LIFT" paratransit service will continue for "life-sustaining" trips only.
