Calvert's bus service goes 'fare free'

As the early 1970s rock standard refrains, “Come on and take a free ride.”

As of Monday, the white and green buses of Calvert’s public transportation division are a free ride to designation points in the county.

The decision to offer the rides beginning July 1 without the customer paying a fare was made by the county commissioners back in early January.

“This initiative aims to boost ridership among Calvert County residents,” a local government press release stated. “While the county will see a projected $27,000 loss in fare box revenue, the fare-free model is expected to save $46,500 in annual fare box maintenance costs, resulting in an overall cost savings in the capital project budget. Additionally, increased ridership could lead to higher grant awards under the Maryland Transit Administration’s new funding formula.”

Eryn Lowe, Calvert government spokesperson, told Southern Maryland News on Tuesday that when compared to rider numbers from May 1, when a fare was still being levied, the numbers from Monday showed a noticeable spike.

Lowe said the May 1 comparison was used since June 1 was a Saturday.

“May 1 had 375 riders, whereas July 1 had 445,” Lowe stated. “While ridership typically picks up in the summer, we are seeing increases this year compared to prior years, especially as we rebound from COVID-19. When riders call to make arrangements, some are still shocked and delighted to learn about the free fare. This will really help people who are living on limited and fixed incomes.”

Calvert’s public transportation, which is a division within the community resources department, is currently offering eight fixed bus routes and four demand-response para-transit routes.

For routes and schedules, go to www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/BusSchedules.