Bad news for bus riders, those free rides are coming to an end. The MTA will begin collecting fares at the end of the month.

Since March the MTA has allowed riders to board from the rear, avoiding close contact with drivers, and the fare box. But the agency says it will have enough new measures to protect drivers. Like plastic barriers. It's also installing stronger air filters that will get changed every 30 days.

Head of buses Craig Cipriano says as long as riders wear masks, the buses will be safe. "Opening the front door and collecting fares will not be done at the expense of anyone’s health," he said.

The MTA says every dollar counts right now. The agency estimates it lost $160 million on bus fares since March. And it continues to lose an estimated $200 million a week from coronavirus related expenses as well as low ridership.