By Jim Hagerty
Reporter

ROCKFORD – The Rockford Mass Transit District is reducing its daily service after four more drivers test positive for COVID-19.

Beginning Monday April 20, RMTD’s weekday schedule will mirror its current Sunday schedule, plus four other routes. Buses will start at 6:15 a.m. and end at 6:40 p.m., Monday through Friday. Weekend routes will run from 9:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

“The number of staff affected is limiting RMTD’s ability to provide the extra service needed when buses reach capacity and social distancing measures cannot be maintained,” RMTD said in a new release. “By reducing the number of routes during the day, RMTD will be able to better manage vehicle capacity while still maintaining coverage to most of the district’s service area.”

Service to Belvidere has been suspended.

As of Saturday, five RMTD drivers and an administrative employee have tested positive for COVID-19.