HOUSTON — METRO detailed Friday how it is protecting passengers from contracting the coronavirus on its buses and other public transit vehicles.
Beginning March 23, the public transit agency is suspending fares for all buses, light rail trains, Park & Ride vehicles and METROLift.
Expect for those with disabilities, riders must enter all METRO vehicles through the rear doors. On buses and rails cars, the agency has placed two "reserved signs" on certain seats to promote social distancing. This effort has cut seating availability on the buses in half.
Park & Ride services have been reduced due to the decline in usage. However, routes to the Texas Medical Center will continue as normal. METRO has added a shuttle to serve the TMC stops in order to reduce passengers on the METRORail.
METRORail will operate on its normal schedule.
All RideStores will be closed until further notice starting March 23.
Like many organizations, the transit agency is putting greater emphasis on disinfecting services often touched by the public, such as handrails and door handles.
METRO is also putting extra work into educating riders about the recommendations from CDC officials through posters. That advice includes washing your hands regularly with soap, practicing social distancing and covering your nose or mouth when coughing or sneezing.
The agency has joined the CDC in spreading the message for people to stay home if they're demonstrating flu-like symptoms.
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METRO said it remains in close communication with local health and emergency management officials as they continue to monitor the situation. They’ve been evaluating the threat of the virus and responding with appropriate measures, the release said.
“Protecting the health and safety of patrons, employees and the community is METRO’s number one priority,” METRO said in a statement.
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