Transit agencies respond to COVID-19 novel coronavirus
COVID-19 under an electron microscope (NIAID/National Institute of Health)Last updated: March 12, 2020
As you may have heard, there is an ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 novel coronavirus, a new strain of virus that is able to be transmitted from person to person. Several major employers have activated work-from-home policies and several large events have been cancelled and postponed.
For those who need to still get around, the transit agencies of the Puget Sound region have been responding to COVID-19 with new cleaning strategies, which we will summarize and update below.
In general, most agencies are encouraging riders to do the following:
- Avoid public places and mass gatherings when sick
- Avoid public places if at a high risk of infection (pregnant persons, over age 60, having an underlying health condition, having a weakened immune system)
- Cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing
- Wash hands frequently for 20 seconds
- Avoid touching your face
- Maintain a "social distance" of 6 feet between strangers
- Telecommute if possible or avoid unnecessary trips
There are several websites with more information on preventative measures and information about COVID-19: Washington State Dept. of Health, King County/Seattle Health, Snohomish Health District, Tacoma/Pierce County Health Dept.
In addition to the resources listed below (organized by operator), transit riders can protect themselves by using gloves, frequent handwashing, and avoiding touching surfaces when possible. One example being the use of ticket vending machines: it may be easier to instead load an ORCA pass or refill your e-purse the night before (or the afternoon before).
The Seattle Times also has excellent, paywall-free coverage of the coronavirus situation that is updated more frequently.
Sound TransitSound Transit has announced that it will put more focus on cleaning vehicles and facilities "more deeply and frequently", especially on "high touch" surfaces such as handrails, escalators, and elevator buttons.
Riders can call or text the security office at (206) 398-5268 to report a biohazard or unsanitary condition that requires attention. Sound Transit has promised to remove vehicles from service for deep cleaning in the event of a biohazard or spill.
As of March 12, Sound Transit's fare enforcement on Link light rail and Sounder will not ask for proof of payment. The officers will still board trains, but will try to limit person-to-person contact.
King County MetroKing County Metro is increasing the frequency of its cleanings, including the use of backpack sprayers every night. Buses will be given their monthly "deep clean" every 15 days ($), and drivers will be encouraged to carry disinfectant kits with them.
Metro has a hotline at (205) 553-3000 and also monitors the Twitter feed at @kcmetrobus for reports of unhygienic situations. For more immediate care, riders should alert the bus driver or another Metro employee.
As of March 12, Metro is temporarily ceasing in-person fare enforcement inspections. Fare enforcement officers will continue to board buses to inform passengers and assist in other situations.
Community TransitCommunity Transit has updated its vehicle cleaning procedures to include a nightly disinfecting of high-touch surfaces on buses, including handles and buttons. The agency's main phone line at (425) 353-7433 is open weekdays from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Washington State FerriesWashington State Ferries has issued a bulletin asking passengers to exercise good personal hygiene when riding its vessels. Ferries are typically given a quick clean of surfaces with disinfectant between departures, including tables, seats, and bathroom faucets, and undergo a deeper clean on a regular basis. Unsanitary conditions can be reported to the local customer service line at (206) 464-6400 or state line at 888-808-7977 (or 511) between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
According to spokesperson Ian Sterling (via The Times), there are plans to reduce ferry service if not enough employees are available for normal operations.
Pierce TransitPierce Transit is adding additional cleanings for its buses and facilities, especially on high-touch surfaces. The agency wants riders to report unsanitary conditions to bus drivers or their customer service office at (253) 581-8000, option 1.