New MTD transit center now open in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The newly remodeled Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) Center has opened in Santa Barbara.

The center at 1020 Chapala Street downtown was remodeled over the last year but it was not opened until now when COVID-19 rules were eased back.

The site will be open for information and to buy transit passes. For now, the MTD says it will not be a sitting area.

It has informational screens to assist passengers on the timing schedules for buses coming and going.

The screens can be seen inside the center or through the outside windows.

Currently the 30-foot and 40-foot buses are using the facility.

Rides are free for now, but passengers will be charged again for rides starting May 10.

The MTD says COVID-19 safety protocols are in place in all locations. Protective barriers were also recently installed between the driver cabin and the boarding area to provide another measure of safety for bus operators and passengers