BARRIE, ONT. -- Barrie is taking another step toward charging you to ride the bus again.

The city’s downtown bus terminal will reopen Monday to prepare for fare collection after a months-long closure because of COVID-19.

Barrie Transit has been offering free rides since March 20. The city expects free service to end mid-month, but only after protective shields are installed on all buses.

The transit hub has also been earmarked for a cooling centre starting Monday if a heat warning is declared for Barrie.