South San Francisco, CA March 13, 2020 Press Release
In response to school closures in San Mateo County, as part of the effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), SamTrans will begin operating a regular, non-school day schedule on weekdays. Weekend service will remain unchanged. During the week, routes will not serve stops that are labeled as ‘School Days Only.’
As health officials respond to increasing cases of the coronavirus in the Bay Area, SamTrans is continuing to monitor the situation and maintains regular contact with local authorities and transit agencies.
Average weekday ridership has decreased by approximately 19% since COVID-19 containment efforts began.
SamTrans is maintaining daily onboard cleaning and sanitation protocols in compliance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines. In order to ensure the health of our staff, SamTrans is supplying hand sanitizer to bus operators as they do not have access to soap and water onboard.
SamTrans is also supporting critical health messaging by distributing brochures onboard all buses over the coming weeks with information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) about how to minimize risk of exposure.
Safety is our top priority and we urge everyone to take preventative measures to reduce the spread of illnesses:
- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after riding public transit. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Avoid eating while onboard.
- Do not cough into your hands. Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow.
- Stay home if you are sick.
For the latest information about Coronavirus, please refer to information and guidance provided by the following public health agencies:
- San Francisco Department of Public Health
- San Mateo County Health Department
- Santa Clara County Public Health Department
- Centers for Disease Control
SamTrans stands ready to respond as necessary in partnership with public health officials.
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About SamTrans: SamTrans operates 70 routes throughout San Mateo County. Funded in part by a half-cent sales tax, the San Mateo County Transit District also provides administrative support for Caltrain and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority. SamTrans has provided bus service to San Mateo County customers since 1976.
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