By Kathy Chouteau
AC Transit is kicking off “Fare Free Fridays” in September, which will see the bus transit agency provide free rides every Friday throughout the month. The offer, which encompasses all AC Transit local and Transbay lines, will permit riders to board without fare payment during the hours of 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 3, 10, 17 and 24.
On Fare Free Fridays, the transit agency said fareboxes and Clipper card readers will be covered, Tempo ticket vending machines will be turned off and mobile fare payment will be deactivated.
According to AC Transit the offer aims to “welcome riders back and to thank those who have been riding with us all along” as schools and workplaces transition back to in-person operations.
The transit agency also said the special offer will give riders the chance to check out improvements they’ve made to keep everyone safe, including enhanced cleaning and ventilation, contactless payment options and masks and hand sanitizer available on board.
Physical distancing requirements have been lifted on board and pre-pandemic bus capacity limits have returned, per AC Transit. “Federal mandates still require face coverings when riding with us,” stated transit agency officials.
AC Transit’s announcement comes as BART will offer 50 percent discounts on all Clipper fare types during September as a promotion and WestCAT will be fare free on all routes during the same time period.
Learn more about AC Transit’s Fare free Fridays, schedules, services and more here.
