Rochester Transit Service’s CEO Bill Carpenter has a friendly reminder for people utilizing public bus transportation for non-essential purposes.

Carpenter says there are some people taking advantage of free bus rides and using idle time as a reason to take a joy ride, ultimately not abiding by New York State’s Stay At Home Order and risking the lives of others.

“I know our fares are waived right now,” said Carpenter, “we are not collecting fares. That doesn’t mean go out and try out the bus system. Save the bus system for essential trips only. If you have to go to the grocery store; if you are an elderly couple, I understand that.”

RTS waived its bus fees to make travel easier for essential workers. Carpenter says there is a more serious cost at stake for those not taking proper safety measures.

“It can cost you or someone else on that bus their health.”

Carpenter also says always remember to wear your personal protective equipment when riding the bus to better protect yourself, the bus drivers and passengers.