SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (METRO) will provide free local transit rides county-wide, including the Hwy-17 Express, on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
In a press release, the transportation agency stated: “METRO would like to express our gratitude to all essential workers who continue to assist our community in these difficult times and as a sign of our appreciation, we are saying goodbye to 2020 and ringing in a brighter 2021 by providing free fares all day to our riders.”
The free fare day will provide a touchless boarding process without the need to navigate fare payment, minimize interaction between riders and operators, and reduce boarding times at bus stops while giving back to those who support essential functions.