Ben Franklin Transit to Reduce Frequency on One Bus Route, Effective April 6

Beginning April 6, 2020 and until further notice, Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) bus route 268 will be reduced in frequency as the agency continuously works to maintain a balance between maximizing connectivity to essential services, adjusting for significantly decreased demand in response to Governor Jay Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order, and managing fluid changes in staffing availability.

Impacted Bus Route Beginning Monday, April 6, 2020:
Route 268. Trip frequency will reduce from every 30 minutes to every 90 minutes. This is a weekday only route, primarily serving schools that are currently closed and without significant connectivity to essential services as defined by the Governor’s order. Additionally, most stops on this route are shared with other routes, including 66, 67, and 225 which are operating on normal schedules at this time.

“BFT remains committed to protecting our employees while serving members of our community in need of essential transportation services during this time,” said BFT general manager Gloria Boyce. “This service reduction is designed to keep our region moving and allow those dependent on BFT services to make essential trips, while also adjusting for fluctuating BFT staffing availability and expectedly lower demand. Our goal is to reduce service in a way that minimizes impact to overall system coverage and maintains reachability of essential services including grocery, medical, and pharmacy, and essential work trips.”

BFT will continue to provide regular service on all other bus routes at this time and will notify customers via Facebook and Twitter, on its website at www.bft.org/Covid-19, and by other means as appropriate of any further changes in service.
For the most up-to-date bus schedules we recommend that riders download and use the Transit app, or check myride.bft.org. Phone support is also available Mon-Fri 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sat 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 509.735.5100.

To protect our passengers and drivers, BFT is continuing daily disinfection procedures in all our vehicles and facilities and continuing all implemented social distancing measures, including no fare collection and rear-door bus entry until further notice. Our top priorities are to continue essential service and to keep our employees and customers healthy and safe.

Reminders for Riders:

• IF YOU ARE NOT FEELING WELL, DO NOT TAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION. Call your healthcare provider before you leave your home and follow their guidance.
• At this time, public transportation should only be used for ESSENTIAL TRIPS, including for food/grocery needs, medical appointments, pharmacy, and work.

BFT will continue to monitor COVID-19-related developments and take appropriate action using guidance from public health authorities.