As a primary source of transportation for many in our community, CapMetro must address the COVID-19 situation while maintaining safe, critical transit services and a safe work environment.
PREVENTION & AWARENESS
- We implemented enhanced daily cleaning procedures on March 2 for all CapMetro transit vehicles and facilities by applying a disinfectant to common hand contact areas such as poles and handrails, armrests, door handles and stop request buttons.
- Safe hygiene messages developed by Austin Public Health were added to all CapMetro vehicles, and we’ve included these hygiene reminders at our bus and rail stop digital signs where available. CapMetro has also emphasized these messages on its social media channels.
- While it is not logistically feasible to add hand sanitizers to hundreds of buses and thousands of stops, our customers and employees are encouraged to practice regular hand washing to reduce the risk of public spread.
- We asked our customers to stay home if they are feeling sick and to follow guidelines from Austin Public Health.
RESPONSE MANAGEMENT
- We activated an internal Coronavirus Task Force to provide around-the-clock assistance to the Capital Metro service area and can act swiftly should we be alerted to a case of coronavirus affecting our employees or service.
- Our senior leadership team has met daily to prepare to address the evolving situation.
- Additionally, we have been in discussion with transit industry leaders throughout Texas and nationally to ensure we are collaborating on best practices for monitoring the COVID-19 impact.
- Capital Metro is working closely with Austin Public Health, and we are following its guidance on recent developments on COVID-19.
EMPLOYEE CARE & SAFETY
- The health and safety of all personnel remains our primary concern. We continue to maintain safe, clean work environments.
- All staff are being encouraged to stay home if sick.
- CapMetro’s leadership team, management of contracted services and union leadership are working together to support any employee who needs to take sick time away from their duties or if we have to reduce service levels.
- CapMetro has developed contingency plans for remote staffing and systems redundancy for operations and administrative functions as a part of our business continuity plan.
SERVICE IMPACTS
- In coordination with The University of Texas, Capital Metro stopped running all UT Shuttle routes at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 13, and we will not run this service during Spring Break. We will continue to work with UT to adjust service based on campus activities.
- CapMetro is in close coordination with centers that care for vulnerable populations. Therefore, MetroAccess clients who have questions specific to their service can review an informational question-and-answer update tailored to their needs at CapMetro.org/MetroAccess-FAQ
FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
- CapMetro will continue to analyze and modify its operations with guidance from Austin Public Health and the impact of personnel availability.
- CapMetro has developed continuity of operations plans, and should there be a need to modify service or fare policies we will share these updates on our website, send to local media and publish to our MetroAlerts subscribers.
- To subscribe to receive MetroAlerts, please visit CapMetro.org/MetroAlerts
We thank you for your patience and support as we deliver critical transportation services for our community.