Community Transit Going Fare Free During Public Health Emergency

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Statement from CEO Emmett Heath

Community Transit Colleagues,

I am writing today to provide you with an update related to the COVID-19 virus.

We have received notification from four individual coach operators that their health care providers have informed them that they have tested presumptive positive for COVID-19. Today, the Snohomish Health District has confirmed that employees have tested positive.

These employees notified us on separate days and, based on schedules worked, it does not appear that the cases are directly related. The health district has assigned a disease investigator and is looking at any potential close contact they may have had, which the health district defines as spending 10 or more minutes within 6 feet of an individual. In the event public health determines anyone was in close contact with these individuals, we will support them in the notification process. Public health officials have advised the agency that given the high number of cases in our region that they may or may not be connected to our work environment.

Each of these employees self-quarantined for several days before notifying us, following the recommendations of staying home at the first sign of symptoms. Because of this, it has been 5-13 days since each individual has been at work. We are in communication with them and are supporting them with whatever assistance they need at this time.

Effective at 5 a.m. on Friday, March 20, and until further notice, Community Transit will be implementing the following policy changes for public health and employee safety:

All Community Transit buses will be fare free.

All Community Transit buses will board and exit through the rear doors only. The front door will remain accessible for ADA customers only. The front 10 feet of all buses will be available for bus drivers and ADA customers only.


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https://www.communitytransit.org/news/news-releases/community-transit-news/2020/03/20/update-on-covid-19-agency-going-fare-free-during-public-health-emergency

[Doreen]

1. Olympia Washington buses became free a few months ago.

Just free. Not because of a virus. You will never have to pay anything.

Just saying for those who live there and did not know that.