KINGWOOD — The Buckwheat Express is not charging passengers a fare to ride the buses, according to Preston County Senior Citizen Director Janie Lou White.
“We are requesting that all riders wear a mask and observe distancing,” she said.
White said there are now clear plastic barriers around drivers to protect them and passengers. White said an exterminator fogs the buses with an antiviral fogger weekly. They are also cleaned and disinfected after each trip.
The Buckwheat Express is the only form of public transportation in Preston County.
White said the passenger count has dropped during the COVID-19 outbreak due to the closing of the county’s senior centers.
Seniors who previously rode to the centers for meals on the Buckwheat Express now have meals delivered to them through Meals on Wheels. Clients who have transportation pick up take-out meals at center parking lot.
“Our biggest requests are people going to the grocery store, the doctor’s office or to the hospital for testing,” White said.
She said the Buckwheat Express is still covering its regular routes.
The Kingwood — Morgantown — Terra Alta Service operates Monday through Friday and connects with Mountain Line Transit in Morgantown.
The South Preston Loop serving Kingwood, Tunnelton, Denver, Fellowsville, Newburg, Arthurdale and Reedsville is available on Tuesdays only.
The West Preston Loop serving residential neighborhoods i Kingwood, Reedsville and Masontown is only available on Fridays.
Service is also provided from Kingwood to Bruceton, Newburg, Rowlesburg, and Tunnelton on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
For more information about the Buckwheat Express or to contact Preston County Senior Citizens call 304-329-0464.
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