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