Introduction
Public transit agencies are struggling to adapt bus, train, and metro
operations to the new world of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Most
have reduced bus and train operational frequency and hours of service,
providing basic service for essential employees. Selected agencies have
cancelled shared paratransit rides and increased interior cleaning; some
rail systems are running longer-than-needed trains to provide more
distancing between riders and have selectively closed stations. All are
working closely with public health agencies. The drop in public
transportation ridership has severely reduced revenues. The CARES Act
provides $26 billion to help offset losses and retain employees. Below
are links to guidance regarding the COVID-19 crisis from public
transportation associations and selective transit agencies.
American Public Transit Association (APTA): Resources for COVID-19
https://APTA.com
APTA: Public Transit Response to COVID-19
Resource for Public Transit Agencies
APTA Guide to Public Transit Pandemic Planning and Response
Corona Virus Fact Sheet
https://www.apta.com/public-transit-response-to-coronavirus/
“Passenger Transport Express,” March 27, 2020
Article on the Public Transit Provisions of the CARES Act
http://www.magnetmail.net/actions/email_web_version.cfm?ep=9lxNBnJXIlXh8HpZkAEc07mYuAQFoD7CLauH6Y06ZJU4YrLp3yQpxEOuqCenZof0d5XXigYCnwVM5z8FGS1MU7BFbIARGKXSaETcrGgRKAazn6v9flTgRrLsKGH2RXw4
Community Transportation Association of America
https://ctaa.org/covid-19-resources/
A collection of resources and news vital to transit operators during the
COVID-19 outbreak. Includes “Best Practices for Wheelchair Securement
During the Pandemic”
Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority, Washington, DC
https://www.wmata.com/service/status/details/COVID-19.cfm
Metropolitan Transportation Agency New York
https://www.wmata.com/service/status/details/COVID-19.cfm