SPRINGFIELD — Passengers who depend on the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority buses to get to essential jobs, medical appointments and grocery stores, banks and pharmacies should continue to use the transportation, but are being asked to wear a medical or cloth mask while on board.
The wearing of masks to cover mouths and noses is aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, and keeping both drivers and other passengers safe.
So far, two PVTA drivers have been diagnosed with COVID-19 during the pandemic.
“We are tremendously grateful and appreciative of our drivers for their dedication to providing essential service during this difficult time,” Brandy Pelletier, spokeswoman for PVTA, said in a statement.
Several other measures have been adopted by PVTA over the last month, Pelletier said. In addition to donning masks and using buses only for essential trips, passengers board the buses using the rear doors, which reduces contact with the drivers. The regional transit authority also is cleaning and disinfecting vehicles daily before they are placed into service.
In addition, Pelletier said PVTA is enforcing a policy that all riders are required to exit the bus at the end of a route, and may not get back on board the same vehicle for its return trip. Multiple or consecutive round trips, which sometimes occur as people attempt to stay out of the elements, are not being permitted at this time, and loiterers will be asked to get off the bus.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, including cough, fever and shortness of breath, or who have been in contact with someone testing positive for the illness, are being advised not to use public transportation until they are well or have been cleared to do so by medical professionals.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
