Local public transit takes on measures to help slow spread of virus
ALBANY, Ga. – Communities and people across America continue to adjust their daily lives and processes in response to COVID-19. Services deemed “essential” have changed procedures to protect personnel and the public transportation system is no exception.
Albany’s public transportation system is doing what they can to flatten the curve. They’ve implemented procedures that encourage social distancing and they’re trying to follow CDC guidelines.
“We’ve done things such as provided gloves, masks and face shields,” says Transportation Director, David Hamilton.
Buses are also equipped with hand sanitizers, partitions, lysol and Hamilton says procedures have changed as well.
And On Saturdays, buses only travel to essential locations like grocery stores and health-related facilities.
“We are boarding from the rear of the bus to practice that social distancing from the drivers and the passengers.”
Multiple cities across the country, including Albany, stopped collecting bus fare as well in hopes of avoiding lines and close contact with bus drivers. But Hamilton says free fare comes with a price.
Crowding by door
“The downside to not charging the fare is that it is encouraging people to ride but what we’re trying to do is to limit, in particular on our paratransit side that we are only taking people for groceries and medical needs.”
Even with adjusted procedures and protective gear, some people are failing to distance themselves from one another.
“The loitering and social distancing has been an issue at times.”
Hamilton says they’re doing everything they can short of closing the system.
“Transit is vital to a lot of people. A lot of people who ride transit are employees of the medical places so they need a way to get to work to be able to assist those that are in need they depend on the transit system to do that.”
Hamilton says as director he may continue to change procedure to ensure the safety of personnel and those that depend on public transportation.
