Savannah, Ga. – Chatham Area Transit will suspend Savannah Belles Ferry services indefinitely starting Saturday, March 28, as part of ongoing service adjustments being made in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
As businesses close and more residents follow “shelter in place” directives, ridership decreased significantly for the ferry, which provides free passage across the Savannah River between the Savannah Riverwalk and Hutchinson Island.
The suspension of ferry operations comes after CAT implemented a reduced service schedule for the ferry and fixed-route buses on Thursday. In addition, CAT is temporarily waiving fare collection to minimize operator and public contact and provide some relief to families who may be losing wages as a result of the health crisis.
The modified schedule for each of the bus routes can be viewed online at: http://catchacat.org/modified-bus-schedules/.
While the buses remain operating on a reduced schedule, CAT is encouraging customers to continue to practice social distancing and refrain from nonessential trips to help prevent the spread of the virus.
The CAT board is scheduled to consider whether to continue the reduced service level and waived fares at their meeting on April 28. Prior to that meeting, CAT may need to adjust service levels as the situation or staffing levels dictate.
CAT has posted information on its buses and facilities, distributed internal communications and created a web page, www.catchacat.org/media/coronavirus-covid-19-information/, regarding coronavirus-related service updates, preventative measures and FAQs.