Free Rides to Cooling Centers/Social Distancing Lifted on Buses
Governor Lifts Social Distancing on Buses
Prep for Hot Temps: Ride the Bus for Free to Cooling Stations
Eugene, Ore. —(June 25, 2021)— Today, Governor Kate Brown lifted physical distancing requirements for buses, paving the way for Lane Transit District’s EmX and fixed route buses to immediately begin carrying passengers at full capacity. Passengers are still required to wear masks on the bus and on LTD property (bus stations), as is required by federal order for all mass transit agencies.
“Congratulations to Oregonians for bringing the state’s vaccination rate close to 70%,” said Aurora Jackson, LTD’s General Manager. “A health-first approach to fighting the pandemic allows us to welcome aboard passengers here to the Olympic Trails, swimming pools, shopping, parks, workplaces, and other activities that make Lane County a great place to live or visit.”
LTD’s 40-foot buses can carry 80 passengers, compared to 20 passengers during the pandemic’s capacity restrictions. The District’s 60-foot buses now carry 100 passengers, as opposed to 30 passengers during the COVID-19 capacity restrictions.
Due to an anticipated increase in ridership during the track and field events, all passengers are still encouraged to plan their trips in advance to ensure they arrive at their final destinations in a timely manner.
LTD also encourages all to be “weather-aware” this weekend. Temperatures are expected to reach 100 degrees or more and an Excessive Heat Warning is in effect from 10 a.m. Saturday to 11 p.m. Monday. Passengers are encouraged to dress appropriately, carry a water bottle, and consider preventative measures for sun exposure, such as using sun block.
In addition, similar to its service to the warming centers in winter, LTD will provide free bus service during the weekend for people traveling to and from a designated cooling center. Passengers will need to inform the bus operator they are going to a cooling center so they are not charged a fare. All other passengers will need to pay fares to travel to and from their desired destinations.
For more information about how to stay cool and about local cooling centers go to: https://lanecounty.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=3585881&pageId=3720173
LTD bus schedules are available here: https://www.ltd.org/maps-stations-routing/.
More Pop-Up COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics Scheduled
Eugene, Ore.—(June 18, 2021)—Due to a strong positive community response, Lane County Public Health has scheduled more vaccination clinics at Lane Transit District’s (LTD) Springfield Station during the weeks of June 21 and June 28, 2021.
The pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics for the week of June 21, 2021 will be held on Monday from 9 a.m. to noon, and then Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Springfield Station. During the week of June 28, 2021, clinics will be held on Monday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Springfield Station. Information about Lane County Public Health’s vaccination effort is available at https://bit.ly/3zxhTMz
Community members are encouraged to ride the bus, ride a bike, walk or drive to the vaccination clinics at LTD’s Springfield Station.
LTD supports Lane County Public Health’s pop-up vaccination clinics as part of a community-wide health-first partnership with LTD, Lane County and 20 other local private and public organizations. Together, these partners have participated in the Don’t Invite COVID: Follow the Four public awareness campaign, aimed at encouraging people to wear a mask over the nose and mouth, social distance, limit gathering sizes, and wash hands. Because of these efforts by the community, Lane County moved to Low Risk Level on June 9.
In addition, the campaign encourages community members to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to support efforts to reach Governor Kate Brown’s goal for 70% of adult Oregonians to be vaccinated by the end of June 2021. Reaching the goal would allow the state to return to pre-pandemic activities, including work and family events.
Beat COVID: Get Vaccinated at Eugene Station
Eugene, Ore.—(June 15, 2021)— Do you know someone who still needs the COVID-19 vaccine? Area residents can get the COVID-19 vaccination from Lane County Public Health professionals at Lane Transit District’s (LTD) Eugene Station from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., on June 16, 17 and 18. The vaccinations are free.
Last week, Lane County Public Health held a three-day free vaccination clinic at LTD’s Springfield Station. The partnership between LTD and Lane County is part of a shared commitment with 20 other private and nonprofit organizations participating in the Don’t Invite COVID: Follow the Four public awareness campaign.
All it takes to get vaccinated and participate in this health-first initiative is riding the bus, biking, walking or driving to the Eugene Station. Getting vaccinated protects people from the virus and helps Oregon reach the 70% vaccination goal set by Oregon Governor Kate Brown. Reaching this goal allows the state to return to pre-pandemic conditions for work and activities with family, friends, and community.
About Lane Transit District (LTD)
LTD provides more than 10 million boardings per year on its buses and EmX Bus Rapid Transit line in Lane County, Oregon. Encompassing the Eugene-Springfield metro area, LTD is a special district of the State of Oregon and led by a seven-member board of directors appointed by Oregon’s governor. LTD also operates RideSource, a paratransit service for people with disabilities, and numerous transportation options programs to promote sustainable travel county wide.
