Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Westchester County.

(White Plains, NY) – The Westchester County Bee-Line System will resume standard operation, resuming front door boarding on all buses starting September 8.  Additionally, all buses are now outfitted with protective barriers that provide floor-to-ceiling plastic sheeting around bus operators.  This new phase will effectively end the COVID response phase, where customers were not charged to ride, that began on March 23.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “We will continue to do everything to ensure safety on the Bee-Line for both our passengers and our drivers. With protective driver shields being installed on the entire fleet of 325 buses, we are confident that we can safely bring back front door boarding and return the system to a more normal operation.”

County Department of Public Works and Transportation Commissioner Hugh Greechan said: “We have been closely monitoring what other transit agencies are doing during this pandemic. In unprecedented times it is important that we are following industry best practices.  With several agencies now resuming front door boarding on buses, including NJ Transit and NICE Bus, we are consistent with other mass transit systems.”

Riders are reminded to continue utilizing safe practices to stop the spread of the virus. All Bee-Line passengers are required to wear a face covering upon entering the bus and must keep it on, covering their nose and mouth, for the duration of their trip. Whenever possible, riders are encouraged to distance themselves and keep six feet away from other passengers.

The system resumed full service on June 15, and all routes are currently operating on their normal schedule.