SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Sioux Falls’ public transit system may begin its return to normal before the end of May, city planning officials told the city council at Tuesday’s meeting.
The council approved a resolution extending existing transit restrictions through May 23. Sam Trebilcock with the city planning office said the city will likely propose an increase in services beyond that date at the next city council meeting.
“Our intentions are to come back to you, if things work out well, with some type of an hourly service,” Trebilcock said of the suspended routes.
That would mean a return to service for routes 1, 2, 5, 11, and 19.
The city is considering the move in large part because more drivers have become available to work. Many of the city transit system’s drivers are over 65, and were subject to a stay-at-home order from Gov. Kristi Noem. That order expired Monday.
Trebilcock said those drivers will no longer be granted administrative leave during the pandemic. He said those still concerned about coming to work can use personal days they’ve accrued, provided they have a doctor’s note.
Ridership of Sioux Falls city buses remains far below normal levels as people stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic. The drivers are not technically city employees, but transit staffing decisions are heavily influenced by the bus schedules the city sets.
