Transit systems are offering free rides for medical personnel

During these turbulent times with the coronavirus, public transit systems are offering free rides and passes to medical staff to help them get to and from work.

In Chicago, Ill., Pace Suburban Bus and Metra are allowing all medical personnel, including doctors, nurses, EMTS, paramedics and other medical staff on the front lines to ride for free during the duration of Illinois’ “stay at home” order.

“We know it’s a small gesture but if it makes this all a little bit easier for these men and women who are bravely showing up at work every day and saving lives during this crisis, it’s the right thing to do,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski.

To ride free, medical personnel only need to present a work ID showing that they are employed at a hospital, doctor’s office, medical facility or local fire department to a Metra conductor or a Pace bus operator.

The city of Boston and its municipal partners of Brookline, Cambridge, Everett and Somerville are also offering all hospital staff a free 30-day pass for the public bike share, Bluebikes.

The city is offering a $20 discount code to all hospital employees. They can apply this code to get a regular 30-day pass for free. The pass provides unlimited 45-minute trips. The city of Boston says it thanks Lyft for financially supporting this program.

To sign up, employees can send an email from their hospital account to a specified contact, available on the city of Boston’s website.