Transit providers across the state are working to keep transit moving by keeping the public informed of daily sanitation protocols and providing resources to riders with health and wellness information to help combat the Covid-19 virus outbreak. All providers are recommending riders and staff first and foremost follow the CDC guidelines.
At Metro Transit and Kansas City Area Transit Authority, vehicles are being sanitized every night before heading back out on the streets for the next shift. Both agencies provided links on their websites to more information from State and Federal Departments of Health.
“We are keeping a close eye on COVID-19 developments and are in communication with local, regional and state health officials. As a precaution, we have enhanced our cleaning and disinfecting procedures for MetroLink, MetroBus and Metro Call-A-Ride vehicles. We will continue to evaluate and adjust our cleaning procedures as needed,” Metro Transit said in a statement on their blog.
“As of March 11, RideKC is sanitizing buses on a daily basis. We have no expectation of reducing service and are committed to getting people to jobs, stores, schools, and services. Some local events are being canceled, and reroutes may not be necessary. Certain populations are advised not to attend large events. The remaining RideKC Next pop-ups are canceled, but the survey deadline has been extended to March 31,” KCATA said in a statement on their website.
Rural transit providers are urging riders to stay home if they feel ill. OATS operators routinely wear gloves and keep hand sanitizer in their vehicles at all times. Additionally, all transit vehicles undergo daily cleaning procedures as well. Several transit providers have also shared the CDC’s guidelines for disease prevention and proper handwashing techniques to their social media feeds.