COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Updates

What You Need To Know To Ride the Bus

Lane Transit District (LTD) encourages all passengers to take the necessary precautions to stay healthy during this cold and flu season, particularly given the recent incidents of COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus, reported in the Northwest.

How LTD Is Keeping You Safe

Here are some of the ways LTD is keeping bus operators, riders, and community safe:

Don't Invite COVID Community Campaign
LTD and its 20 partners are reminding area residents to Don’t Invite COVID by 'Following the Four.' Maintain appropriate distance from others, wash your hands, wear a mask, and avoid large social gatherings. Learn More

As a result of a court order, effective immediately and as of April 18, 2022, CDC’s January 29, 2021 Order requiring masks on public transportation conveyances and at transportation hubs is no longer in effect. Therefore, CDC will not enforce the Order. CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings at this time. This page will be updated soon to provide additional information about recommendations.

Limiting riders on buses is no longer required
Effective June 25, 2021, physical distancing requirements and capacity limits have been lifted. LTD buses are able to operate at full capacity. This allows LTD's 40-foot buses to carry 80 passengers, compared to 20 passengers during capacity restrictions. 60-foot buses may now carry 100 passengers, compared to 30 passengers during capacity restrictions. Signage advising physical distancing is being removed. Although this restriction has been lifted, passengers are still required to wear masks on the bus and on LTD property, such as bus stations. 

Sanitizing buses and facilities
Frequently touched surfaces are wiped down thoroughly each night. You can help out by following best practices and not traveling when sick.

More frequent air filter changes
LTD has increased the frequency of air filter changes and encourages drivers to circulate fresh air through buses by opening windows and activating the air circulation system. In late 2022, new buses will be equipped with air purification devices to filter air through the bus's HVAC system.

Customer Service Center open to the public
On July 1, 2021 the lobby seating area, restrooms and ATM at the Customer Service Center became open to the public again. The Customer Service Center is open from 7a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Customer Service staff are available to provide information Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Continuing public meetings via video conferencing technology
The business of the District must continue. The Board of Directors will be holding public meetings using technology that provides them the ability to be remote, and the public the ability to stay involved.

Updating the LTD website and social media regularly with service information
Changes happen daily. LTD will do their best to communicate service changes, procedural changes, and ways to help keep everyone safe. Please check back regularly for updated information.

Following the guidance of authorities
The Oregon Health Authority is leading the response across Oregon, and we’re following their advice in terms of precautions and mitigation measures.

Eliminating the transportation of items that obstruct physical distancing
In order to maintain adequate physical distancing, items that pose a safety hazard may not be boarded, such as bulky items that block isles or items that are leaking fluids. Recyclables that can be safely transported without impeding isles or placed on a passenger’s lap without leaking are acceptable.

Recommendations for Riding the Bus

When riding the bus, LTD suggests riders follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to reduce the exposure and spread of the coronavirus, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
• Wash 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 readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.” 

Source: CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html
Other sources: https://lanecounty.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=3585881&pageId=16503774

Useful Links

• Lane County Health and Human Services: www.lanecountyor.gov/coronavirus
• Governor Brown’s Press Office: www.oregon.gov/gov/pages/index.aspx
• Congressman DeFazio: defazio.house.gov
• Oregon Health Authority: govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19
• Federal Transportation Administration: www.transit.dot.gov/about/news

Documents

• Stay Safe - Stay in Place Flyer (pdf)