LTD Starts Installation of Driver’s Barrier to Protect Bus Operators and Passengers

EUGENE, OR.—(July 17, 2020)— Passengers making essential trips aboard Lane Transit District (LTD) buses will soon begin to notice something different when they look forward toward the bus operator.

As part of its health-first commitment, LTD is installing half-inch thick, clear polycarbonate shields around the bus operator’s cockpit in each of its buses to add another layer of protection from the potential spread of COVID-19.

“LTD is installing these barriers as part of our continued commitment to help keep bus operators and passengers healthy,” said Matt Imlach, LTD’s Director of Fleet Management. “The ways bus operators interact with and support passengers now does not change because of these barriers. Our operators are looking forward to welcoming customers and these barriers give them that ability while meeting the guidance for safety during this time.”

The barriers and their installation are being paid for with money the District received to help alleviate the impacts of COVID-19-related expenses and loss of revenue through the CARES Act federal stimulus fund.

Imlach says all buses should be outfitted with the bus operator barrier throughout the summer. LTD is taking many steps to limit bus operator and passenger exposure to COVID-19, including:

•  Buses are cleaned nightly with strong, but safe disinfectants.
•  District employees are regularly cleaning buses throughout the day at the Eugene and Springfield stations.
• Passengers are required to enter and exit from the rear door of the bus until all buses have the barriers installed, expected by September 1. Those passengers using the lift or who need assistance entering and exiting the bus can use the front door.
• Passengers are required to wear hands-free face masks or coverings over their nose and mouth.
• Based on social distancing requirements, LTD limits its 40-foot buses to 20 passengers and 60-foot buses to 30 passengers, which normally carry 50 and 80 passengers, respectively.
• There is no fare charged to ride an LTD bus. Fares collection is expected to resume September 1.
• Practicing a minimum of 3 feet of physical distancing from other passengers.

 As a result of the impacts of COVID-19 and to prioritize a health-first priority, LTD is operating a reduced level of service. Visit LTD.org or call LTD Customer Service at 541-687-5555 for more information.

Other LTD measures include:

•  LTD employees have their temperatures taken before starting work each day and are sent home if they are sick. 
• Since early April, most of LTD’s administrative, marketing, planning, and finance teams have been required to work remotely until further notice.
• Employees who do come to work are required to wear a mask, maintain social distancing parameters, wash hands frequently, and observe other healthy precautions as outlined by the state of Oregon and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

 LTD asks passengers to follow health guidelines provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Wear a hands-free mask or covering over nose and mouth.
•  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.”

LTD’s ADA paratransit fleet is currently being evaluated for barriers. LTD is working with the vehicle manufacturer to evaluate options.

Source: CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention- treatment.html.

 Other Useful Links:

•  Lane County Health and Human Services: www.lanecountyor.gov/coronavirus
• Governor Brown’s Press Office: www.oregon.gov/gov/pages/index.aspx
•  Congressman DeFazio: defazio.house.gov
•  Oregon Health Authority: govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19
•  Federal Transportation Administration: www.transit.dot.gov/about/news
• Lane Transit District: www.ltd.org/covid-19

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.