Health & Safety Commitments | Community Transit

APTA Health & Safety Commitments Program

APTA Task Force Seal

Community Transit joined six local partner agencies, transit agencies across the country, and the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) to commit to industry best practices for safe public transit in response to public concerns about riding transit during COVID-19 crisis.

The APTA Health & Safety Commitments Program supports four broad commitments:

  • Following public health guidelines from official sources.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting transit vehicles frequently, and requiring face coverings and other protections.
  • Keeping passengers informed and empowered to choose the safest times and routes to ride.
  • Putting health first by requiring riders and employees to avoid public transit if they have been exposed to COVID-19 or feel ill.

 

In this program, APTA has created specific commitments that can be applied nationwide. In turn, each agency will develop and communicate about its own plan that may go beyond the national commitments and fit its riders and community. All agencies have been operating in accordance with local, state and national health guidance, but each agency has subtle differences that distinguish their service and associated policies and practices.

Read the full story in a partner agency news release.

 

Commitments

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Following Official Guidance
What we are doing:What we ask of our riders:
We are working closely with health authorities to follow their guidance and recommendationsKeep up to date on the latest health and safety mandates and follow them
  • Following health and safety best practices
  • Working closely with public health officials and instituting changes to policies and practices when recommended and feasible
  • Creating and evaluating policies, procedures, and practices regularly for safety
  • Consistently using all of our communications channels to inform and remind customers of revised public health guidance and mandates that apply to public transportation


Protecting Each Other
What we are doing:What we ask of our riders:
We are working to create and maintain a safe environment aboard our vehicles.Help protect yourself and fellow riders by arriving prepared and following safe practices while you ride.
  • Nightly disinfecting of all high-contact surfaces on our vehicles
  • Providing contact-free payment options
  • Providing masks on board for those who need them
  • Hand sanitizers are provided to employees in the field and those who don’t have access to sinks.
  • Follow the state mandate to wear a face covering when riding
  • Maintain 6-foot distance from others
  • Exit through the back door when riding
  • Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer and avoid touching common, high-touch areas


Making Informed Choices
What we are doing:What we ask of our riders:
We are keeping riders informed about our service and safety measures through all existing communication channels and possible new channels.Use the tools and information available to make your safety, and the safety of others, your top priority.
  • Posting signs at bus stops, transit centers and on board buses to keep you informed of safety rules
  • Coordinating with county emergency management and community organizations to share information and resources
  • Providing onboard audio announcements to remind riders how to ride safely
  • Keeping you up to date with alerts and information online, by email, text, and by phone at (425) 353-RIDE (7433)
  • Read the signage on buses, at bus stops and at transit centers to stay informed.
  • Sign up for rider alerts to stay informed of the latest Community Transit news and route information
  • Use an ORCA Card for contact-free fare payment and free two-hour transfers
  • Review our transit health and safety information


Putting Health First
What we are doing:What we ask of our riders:
We are talking care of our employees—providing them the tools and resources they need to stay safe and protect others.Use our services responsibly and make safe choices before, during and after you ride.
  • Face coverings are mandatory for drivers when others are on-board and all employees who work inside shared spaces
  • Drivers are given face shields to wear for added protection if needed while interacting with customers
  • Personal protective equipment and hand sanitizer is provided to all employees
  • Health screenings are conducted for all employees at base before they can work
  • Time off work is provided for employees and families impacted by COVID-19
  • All policy and procedure changes and safety information are communicated through multiple channels
  • Stay home if you feel sick
  • Face coverings are mandatory
  • Maintain 6-foot distance from others
  • Exit buses through the back door to avoid cross traffic with those boarding at the front door