AC Transit will be offering fare-free rides every Friday in September as many people begin returning to work and school.

In a press release, AC Transit stated that on each Friday in September from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., riders can board without payment. While boarding, the farebox and Clipper card readers will be covered and ticket vending machines and mobile fare payment systems will be deactivated.

AC Transit also launched a plan to restore several bus lines over the next 12 to 18 months. The press release adds that there has been an increase in ridership over the past few weeks.

“At the close of July, there were just over 70,500 daily weekday riders across our system. As of August 16, average weekday ridership rose to 83,900, a positive 6.5 percent week-over-week increase,” the press release stated.

While on board AC Transit buses, riders still have to wear masks, but social distancing guidelines are no longer being enforced and buses are now operating at full capacity.