Passengers will not be required to purchase fare or passes to ride River Valley Transit buses in an effort to enhance and encourage social distancing, River Valley Transit announced.

Riders will be required to enter and exit the bus using the rear door to minimize driver contact unless they need to use the ramp for wheelchair boarding or other mobility devices.

“River Valley Transit is committed to our community and is taking action to protect our riders, bus operators and other team members by eliminating fare box interaction and bus pass sales inside our transit lobby,” said Adam Winder, general manager. “The administrative office will also be closed until April 5.”

Customer service representatives will be available to answer phone calls, he said.

Riders are encouraged to use bus service only to go to work, medical appointments, grocery stores and other essential trips.

Reduced bus service will be continued. Monday through Friday, normal service on all routes is offered from 5:30 to 10 a.m. and 2 to 7 p.m., when daily service ends. The Nightline Route schedule is in place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday service is offered from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Clinton County Express service will delete the first and last trips at 5:45 a.m. and 5:45 p.m.