9 replies to this topic

[KevinKorell]

Valley Metro website:

 

 

 

                                                      Our response to Coronavirus

Valley Metro uses a regularly scheduled cleaning process for transit fleet and public spaces. With the advent of COVID-19 in the U.S., we are enhancing the cleaning and disinfecting regimens  on public transit.

 

The high-touch areas (stanchions, hand rails, seat rails and fareboxes) on buses and light rail fleet are wiped down each day and disinfected several times each week. Floors are vacuumed and mopped, seats are cleaned and walls are wiped down regularly. At light rail stations, fare vending machines, handrails, water fountains, call boxes, seats and armrests are cleaned daily and disinfected. 

 

We want your ride on Valley Metro to be safe, clean and comfortable, but please do your part:

• Stay home when you are sick
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Cover your cough or sneeze
• Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink fluids and eat healthy food

Visit the U.S. Center for Disease Control site or the Arizona Department of Health Services site for updates. 

 

 

 

 

[KevinKorell]

KTAR Radio, Phoenix, AZ, 4/8/20:

 

  Valley Metro cuts light rail service in response to coronavirus outbreak   

 

 

 

 

Valley Metro announced Wednesday it will reduce its light rail service starting this weekend in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

 

Details

[KevinKorell]

State Press, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 4/27/20:

 

 

  Valley Metro implements health safety procedures to combat coronavirus   

 

 

 

 

With stops near both the Downtown Phoenix and Tempe campuses, many ASU community members utilized the light rail for daily transportation before COVID-19 concerns put a halt to classes and social events. 

 

More

[KevinKorell]

From Valley Metro website:

Valley Metro requests that public transit use is limited to essential or critical trips. With demand reduced due to COVID-19, Valley Metro will continue to assess all transit services.
 
Face coverings required


Valley Metro is requiring all riders to wear face coverings on all public transit services: bus, light rail, paratransit, Dial-a-Ride and vanpools. This includes on-board vehicles and at stops, stations and transit centers.
 
A face covering must cover the rider’s nose and mouth and can include bandanas and scarves. Children under the age of two should not wear face coverings, as well as those with medical conditions preventing them from wearing masks. It may not be obvious to riders who is unable to wear a face covering, so we ask that riders be considerate of those without one. All transit personnel will be instructed to not prevent riders without a face covering from boarding or riding.
 
Beginning June 22, face coverings will be available (as supply allows) for riders at the following transit center windows:

• Central Station (Central Ave./Van Buren St.)
• Ed Pastor (Central Ave./Broadway Rd.)
• Metrocenter (Metrocenter Mall)
• Sunnyslope (3rd St./Dunlap Ave.)

[KevinKorell]

Arizona Republic, Phoenix, AZ, 9/8/20:

 

   Phoenix light rail expansion plans on track despite COVID-19 declining ridership  

 

 

 

Phoenix is ramping up its light rail system despite record-breaking declines in ridership spurred by COVID-19. 

 

Update

[KevinKorell]

KJZZ Radio, Phoenix, AZ, 12/30/20:

 

  Despite Pandemic Decreasing Ridership, Valley Metro To Expand Light Rail  

 

 

The pandemic has dramatically affected how — and how many of us — use public transit.

 

Story

[CNJRoss]

Metro, 3/11/21
 

 

Metro Phoenix Transit Workers Prioritized to Get COVID-19 Vaccine

 

 

Arizona valley essential transit workers are now prioritized to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

 

“I have advocated for quite some time for these essential workers to move up on the priority list, and am pleased to see the county take action,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “Since the pandemic began, these are the people who show up every day, and work in close contact with other people — sometimes helping them board a bus or even buckle a seatbelt. They do it despite the risk to their own health. There is no question they are the backbone of our local economy.”

 

The Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) will give the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine during an event that occurs March 12 to 14.  . . .

 

Continue here.

[KevinKorell]

KNXV-TV, ABC-15 in Phoenix, AZ, 12/22/21:

 

 

    COVID supply issues delaying debut of Tempe streetcar  

 

 

The Tempe streetcar service should already be up and running, but according to Valley Metro Spokesperson Madeline Phipps, a COVID-related supply chain issue has halted the project in its tracks, just before the finish line.

 

Read

 

Cross-posted in Coronavirus/Valley Metro and Valley Metro Tempe Streetcar forums.

[KevinKorell]

Arizona Republic, Phoenix, AZ, 1/29/22:

 

 

   How Valley Metro is keeping light rail extension on track during disruptive omicron surge    

 

 

While a spike in infections from the omicron variant of the coronavirus has hampered some workplaces, construction of the south-central light rail extension in Phoenix is still on schedule.

 

 

Story here.

 

Cross-posted in Coronavirus Valley Metro and South Central threads.

[KevinKorell]

KNXV-TV, ABC-15 in Phoenix, AZ, 3/4/22:

 

 

   Valley Metro looking to fill 90 positions to resume regular service  

 

 

The pandemic is still directly impacting jobs and the public transportation system.

 

Full story