Citing a dramatic drop in ridership, the city of Monterey Park announced Tuesday it will suspend its Spirit Bus service beginning Thursday and continuing indefinitely.
According to the city, bus ridership has dropped 83% due to the coronavirus crisis and the ensuing school closures and stay-at-home orders.
The Spirit Bus service operates five routes around the city.
Although the service will be suspended, Dial-A-Ride and Dial-A-Taxi services will continue to operate for people who rely on public transit to reach essential services, according to the city.
The city of Carson recently suspended all of its local bus service in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Mayor Albert Robles has been pushing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to do the same with its countywide service. Metro officials have refused, saying its buses and trains are vital services for people who need a way to get around, although some service has been reduced and officials have urged people to travel only for essential purposes.