Safe and Healthy Tips for Riding Transit

Failure to comply may also result in a denial to ride or removal from our vehicles or property unless the individual is exempt because they cannot wear a mask, or cannot safely wear a mask, due to a disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.).

Community Transit requires that all customers properly wear a face covering over the mouth and nose at all times including:

• When waiting at a Community Transit Park & Ride, Transit Center, Swift Station, or bus stop; even when outside and physically distanced;
• This includes when boarding, de-boarding, or in a bus, paratransit vehicle, relief vehicle, vanpool vehicle, or any other Community Transit owned or operated vehicle, unless otherwise exempt as outlined below in exceptions.
• Properly wearing a mask or face covering is critical

Not all face coverings are created equal and properly wearing a mask or face covering is critical to ensure the best protection against the spread of COVID-19.

The following do not fulfill the requirements for properly wearing a mask or face covering under the new federal policy:

• Masks are worn in a way that does not completely cover both the mouth and nose.
• Face shields or goggles (face shields or goggles may be worn in addition to a mask that meets the above requirements).
• Scarves, ski masks, balaclavas, or bandannas.
• Shirt or sweater collars (e.g., turtleneck collars) pulled up over the mouth and nose.
• Masks made from loosely woven fabric or that are knitted, i.e., fabrics that let light pass through.
• Masks made from materials that are hard to breathe through such as vinyl, plastic, or leather.
• Masks containing slits, exhalation valves, or other holes.
• Masks that do not fit properly, such as large gaps or fit too loose or too tight.
• Masks that have only one layer of fabric.
• Using a gaiter with only one layer, unless folded with two layers covering both the mouth and nose.

Exceptions

There are exceptions to this order, such as:

• While eating, drinking, or taking medication, for brief periods;
• When alone in a vehicle;
• While communicating with a person who is hearing impaired when the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication;
• If unconscious (for reasons other than sleeping), incapacitated, unable to be awakened, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance;
• When necessary, temporarily remove a mask to verify one’s identity such as when asked to do so any law enforcement official;
• A child under the age of two (2) years;
• A person with a disability who cannot wear a mask, or cannot safely wear a mask, because of the disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.);
• Persons who are experiencing difficulty breathing or shortness of breath or are feeling winded may remove the mask temporarily until able to resume normal breathing with the mask;
• Persons who are vomiting should remove the mask until vomiting ceases;
• Persons with acute illness may remove the mask if it interferes with necessary medical care such as supplemental oxygen administered via an oxygen mask.

Thank you for partnering to keep our customers, employees, and community safe and healthy.

Service

• The September 2020 service change (Sunday, Sept. 20) reflects an increase to Community Transit service levels and the agency will maintain this service level through spring 2021.
• Fares on all Community Transit routes were restored as of July 1.
• Riders board and exit Swift buses through the rear doors.
• Riders board all other buses at the front door to pay fares, and exit through the rear door (except for ADA customers).
• Face coverings are mandatory as authorized by public health officials under state law.

Commitment to Health and Safety

• All Community Transit bus drivers are required to wear cloth face coverings or masks when customers are onboard to comply with state public health requirements. If you see drivers who are not complying with this, please report it to Customer Care: (425) 353-RIDE (7433), send us an email or use our online form.
  
• Riders are strongly encouraged to follow public health guidance:
  • Wear a face covering;
  • Cover coughs and sneezes;
  • Stay home if you are sick;
  • Wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
  • Use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol if soap & water are not available;
  • Continue to practice good hygiene and maintain physical distance while on buses and waiting at bus stops.

See Community Transit's health and safety commitments

For the safety of all riders, transit workers and our communities, please follow the mandatory statewide face covering order issued by Gov. Jay Inslee and the state Secretary of Health to wear a face covering. Wear a face covering in vanpools and while riding buses or DART Paratransit. The order requires people to wear a face covering in all indoor public spaces, as well as outdoors where 6 feet of distance from others can't be maintained.

Exemptions include people with certain disabilities or health conditions, people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and children under the age of 5 (although it is encouraged to have children ages 3-5 wear a face covering if possible).

Public health officials suggest wearing a face covering can significantly limit the spread of COVID-19. We continue to encourage all riders to stay home when they are sick, wash hands frequently, and stay at least 6 feet from the bus driver and other passengers when on our buses.

If you have questions or concerns about the mandatory face covering order, we encourage you to visit Washington State's official COVID-19 site here: https://coronavirus.wa.gov/information-for/you-and-your-family/face-masks-or-cloth-face-covering.

We continue to offer and distribute face coverings on our buses to Community Transit customers who do not have one. However, due to limited supply, we ask that riders bring their own whenever possible.

Face coverings recommended by public health officials include cloth face coverings, scarves and bandanas. Best practices on wearing a face covering can be located here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html.

Thank you for helping to protect yourself, your fellow riders, transit workers and all those with whom you come in contact.