JeffTran resumes bus service with alternating routes

The Jefferson City Transit Division will resume altered JeffTran services Tuesday.

Last Thursday, JeffTran routes and the para-transit service Handi-Wheels were suspended due to staffing shortages related to COVID-19. Transit Division Director Mark Mehmert said they had drivers as well as administrative staff out due to the coronavirus.

Staff reassessed the situation Monday and announced buses would begin running again Tuesday using alternating routes due to continued staff shortages.

Between 8 a.m.-3:20 p.m., two pairs of routes will alternate, running every other round instead of each round.

The Red route - which covers the east side of Jefferson City including stops at Gerbes East and Walmart - and the Blue route - which covers the southwest including stops at JCMG and St. Mary's - will alternate.

The Green route - which covers East High Street and includes stops at Clark Avenue, Community Health Center and near Helias Catholic High School - and the Gold route - which covers West High Street and includes stops at the Missouri State Capitol, Memorial Park and Boonville Road - will alternate.

The Gold and Blue routes will start at the East Miller Street transfer station at 8 a.m., 9:20 a.m., 10:40 a.m., noon and 1:20 p.m.

The Red and Green routes will start at 8:40 a.m., 10 a.m., 11:20 a.m., 12:40 p.m. and 2 p.m.

All four routes will resume normal schedules at 3:20 p.m. JeffTran runs 6:40 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekdays.

JeffTran routes can be tracked via the DoubleMap mobile application.

Handi-Wheels is expected to operate as usual. Residents can apply to use the para-transit service at City Hall, 320 E. McCarty St., or the Transit Division office, 820 E. Miller St.

JeffTran recently began requiring face coverings to be worn on the buses due to the virus. Any type of face covering is acceptable, such as a cloth face mask, scarf or bandana. Social distancing of at least 6 feet is also recommended.