SRTA changing operating schedule, taking actions in response to COVID-19

SRTA is changing their operating schedule and taking several actions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to SRTA, starting Wednesday, March 25, 2020, SRTA will begin operating on a Saturday schedule, Monday – Saturday. Demand Response service will also follow the Saturday schedule.

As the situation concerning COVID-19 is a fluid one, SRTA wants customers to know that they are following the situation closely.

“As concerns about coronavirus on the south coast rise, we want to assure our passengers and employees that SRTA is monitoring the situation and are basing our response on guidance from the Governor Baker’s emergency actions, Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.”

SRTA is taking the following actions across their system.

All vehicles and terminals are being thoroughly cleaned daily.
Ridership patterns are evaluated daily to ensure adequate space for passengers and employees.
Demand Response clients who need to renew service will automatically have their eligibility extended until at least June 30th.

SRTA also has recommendations to help keep riders safe.

“Passengers are also encouraged to participate in helping to limit the spread of this virus. You can help by maintaining distance between each other whenever possible while riding. Limit seating in the wheelchair accessible seats except for the elderly and disabled. Other things you can do include covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing (or by coughing or sneezing into your elbow), not littering or leaving any waste behind when you leave the vehicle, and most importantly by not riding if you have symptoms such as: a cough, fever or shortness of breath.”

The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) serves 10 communities in Southeastern Massachusetts, including Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Fall River, Freetown, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, Somerset, Swansea, and Westport.

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