BUFFALO — Metro Bus and Rail is responding to the coronavirus COVID-19 with modifications to increase safety for riders and operators.
Metro will temporarily suspend fare collection on all bus routes, paratransit service and Metro Rail, beginning today. Because there is no fare collection, passengers will be asked to use rear doors when boarding and exiting buses. Those who have special needs or mobility issues may still use front doors. This change was approved by the NFTA board of commissioners at Thursday’s board meeting.
These measures will maximize social distancing, help protect employees and riders, and provide more opportunities to clean and disinfect buses and rail cars. Metro continues to follow and promote the advice coming from state and local health care partners and will continue to keep passengers and employs safe during this time of concern.
Metro Bus and Rail has greatly increased cleaning schedules. Buses, rail cars, rail stations and other locations are now subject to deep-cleaning liquid, containing hospital-grade sanitizing agents. Bus operators have access to disposable gloves and sanitizing wipes to do additional cleaning. Metro also has put cleaners in the field to sanitize buses multiple times throughout the day.
