Covid-19 FAQs
What can I do to help prevent the spread of illness?
RTS is encouraging physical distancing when using public transit. At RTS Monroe, we’re asking customers to board buses through the rear door. Anyone in a wheelchair or other mobility device or who needs to use the ramp may still board using the front door.
We have placed signage on our vehicles that asks customers to wear face covering and to give one another extra space while on the bus.
RTS is also asking customers to follow standard hygienic measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, including
- Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing tissue in the trash.
- Avoiding touching your mouth, nose, and eyes to avoid transferring germs.
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently used surfaces, like counters, light switches, doorknobs and cellphones.
- Staying home when you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
What are you doing to prevent RTS employees from spreading illness?
All Bus Operators are provided with PPE, including face coverings and hand sanitizer. All customers are required to wear face coverings and board using the rear door to protect both employees and customers. Buses are cleaned every day and detail cleaned with disinfecting wipes according to guidance from the NYS Department of Health. The RTS Transit Center is being cleaned and wiped down three times a day.
Do you have signs on RTS vehicles and buildings about covering coughs and sneezes?
Yes, we have signage with information from the New York State Department of Health reminding customers how to help stop the spread of illness. Included on the signage is to cover coughs and sneezes.
How are routes affected by COVID-19?
RTS in Monroe County and RTS Access are running as usual. In the RTS Regional properties, service is being provided on a Dial-a-Ride basis.
Has RTS seen a decrease in ridership because people may be worried about contracting COVID-19 on board a bus?
Our data shows that system ridership has decreased significantly. That's expected and exactly what should be happening with Governor Cuomo’s New York On Pause executive order in effect. We will continue to monitor this closely.
Will public transit close down due to COVID-19?
At this time, RTS will continue to operate transit services. Public transportation is a critical service and connects community members to vital places, such as hospitals, grocery stores and places of employment. People who do those jobs take care of us, and RTS helps them do so. For this reason, we will continue to offer our services for as long as we can. We will also continue following guidance from the New York State and local Departments of Health to reduce the risk of COVID-19 for both employees and customers. Our data shows that system ridership has decreased significantly, but that's what should be happening under our shelter-in-place order.
Why is RTS offering free fares?
This measure keeps Bus Operators and customers from close physical proximity while we are encouraging social distancing. Additionally, many community members use our services to perform essential duties, and this is a way we can support them.
When will RTS begin collecting fares?
On May 11, we announced fares will be waived until June 7, 2020. A decision about whether waived fares will be extended beyond this June 7 will be announced by June 1, 2020.
What happens if a bus is crowded?
We've placed signs on most vehicles asking customers to leave space between each other, to allow for social distancing. Bus Operators have been instructed to notify their dispatch centers if buses are too crowded to provide safe social distancing. If you don't feel comfortable riding a particular vehicle, please wait for the next bus. We will add another bus to that route when we're able to do so, in order to provide customers more space.