Buses are running on schedule as of Friday afternoon, and Grays Harbor Transit is operating fare-free until April 30. Riders are asked to board the buses using the back doors. Riders needing to use the ramp may continue to use the front door.

Grays Harbor Transit spokesman Martin Best said the Grays Harbor Transportation Authority passed resolutions at a special meeting on March 18 to declare an emergency due to the Covid-19 pandemic, to restrict access to Transit’s administration building at 705 30th St. in Hoquiam, and to adopt a leave-authorization policy for its employees.

The declaration of emergency was required to conform with state and county guidance during the pandemic and isn’t affecting bus routes, Best said.

Sanitizing stations are available on each bus and buses are being fully disinfected and sanitized with increased frequency.

Ridership is down over the last three weeks as the public has been encouraged by national, state and local authorities to practice social distancing, Best said.

Grays Harbor Transit bus station in downtown Aberdeen on Friday. (Thorin Sprandel | Grays Harbor News Group)

Grays Harbor Transit is asking riders to board the buses using the back doors until further notice as a precaution. Buses are running fare free until the end of April. (Thorin Sprandel | Grays Harbor News Group)