News
Omnitrans Joins National Health & Safety Program as Customers Return to Public Transit
October 14, 2020
As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, Omnitrans is proud to join transit agencies nationwide as a participant in the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Health & Safety Commitments Program. Committing to transit industry health and safety measures will further instill confidence in our customers as our community resumes work, school, and other trips using public transportation.
The APTA Health and Safety Commitments Program places focus on the following four key commitments:
- Following public health guidelines from official sources
- Protecting each other by cleaning and disinfecting buses frequently and requiring face coverings onboard
- Keeping you well-informed to help you make safe choices
- Putting health first by asking customers and employees to avoid public transit if they have been exposed to COVID-19 or are feeling ill
Since March, Omnitrans has provided essential workers with lifeline transportation service through the pandemic, providing approximately 71,000 trips during California’s stay-at-home order. In fact, survey data indicates that 55% of our customer were essential workers, riding the bus to their essential jobs during this time.
“Omnitrans is committed to the continual implementation of safety measures on our system as we recover from the pandemic,” said CEO/General Manager Erin Rogers. “Just as our community relies on us for safe essential transportation service, we rely on our customers to protect themselves and one another by respecting the shared responsibility we have to follow our health and safety guidelines.”
With safety as the top priority, Omnitrans puts a number of measures in place last spring to protect staff and customers during the pandemic. As our local economy gradually reopens and you get back to normalcy, we are ready to serve you as a safe, affordable transportation option to keep the San Bernardino Valley region moving forward. In addition to asking you to do your part by adhering to individual precautions, Omnitrans is hereby committed to continuing to uphold the following health and safety measures:
New levels of disinfecting daily.
Using industrial-strength cleaners, all high-touch areas of the bus are disinfected daily, including: fareboxes, door handles, seats, seat backs, and handrails.
Contactless payment using the Transit app.
Minimize contact with your bus operator and the farebox by paying for your fare using the Transit mobile app. Simply purchase your pass on the app and show the driver your phone screen when you board.
Masks required to board and while riding.
Federal law requires that passengers wear a face covering while riding Omnitrans at all times. Refusing to do so is a violation of federal law, and may subject you to removal from the bus and other penalties.
Leave room for social distancing.
Where practical, please leave empty seats between you and your fellow passengers. Stay six feet apart at bus stops and while boarding and exiting the bus. Drivers are keeping an eye on crowding so that additional buses can be deployed where needed.
Additionally, the Transit app allows you to rate crowding levels on your bus and let other customers know how full the bus is.
Hand sanitizer onboard every bus.
All buses are now equipped with hand sanitizer dispensers, which you may apply as you board the bus.
Stay home if you are sick or showing any symptoms.
If you are sick, please stay home for the well-being of others.
Stay connected to Omnitrans communication.
Stay up to speed on the latest bus service and customer information updates by checking Omnitrans.org, calling our Customer Service Center at 1-800-966-6428, or following us on social media @omnitrans.
Thank you omnitrans for the strong recommendation to stay safe while riding the bus and protecting the most vulnerable disabled population and senior citizens and young children the bus service is a great experience. See you next time. Sincerely Monroe allen Jones.
And thank you for doing your part as well!
Thank you Omnitrans for providing service during this awful times, glad to be able to attend doctor’s appointments by boarding the bus and also maintaining guidelines to follow my respect!