TARC to Implement Additional COVID-19 Measures: Passengers Must Wear Face Coverings and Exit Bus through Rear Door

April 17, 2021

Spanish Version

Beginning Sunday, April 26, in a continued effort to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, TARC is implementing two new measures:

• All passengers are required to exit the rear doors
• All passengers are required to wear a face covering

The CDC has recommended that passengers wear face coverings to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. These coverings should be secured over the nose and mouth, fit appropriately, and be otherwise compliant with CDC directives. Cloth or medical masks are acceptable and homemade face coverings using household items are absolutely acceptable. The CDC has also recommended limiting interaction on buses to the extent practical. By requiring passengers to exit the bus through the rear doors, interactions between drivers and passengers will be cut in half.

The only exceptions to these two new rules will be that those with mobility issues may choose the exit best suited to them, and children under 2 and those passengers with breathing difficulties will be exempt from wearing a face coverings.

“These additional requirements improve the level of safety for our riders and drivers, and support the best practices for COVID-19 prevention for our entire community,” said Laura Douglas, TARC Co-Executive Director.

“TARC cares about our drivers and passengers. These measures reflect TARC’s ongoing commitment to their safety amidst this crisis. Please, cover up and step back,” said Margaret Handmaker, TARC Co-Executive Director.

TARC drivers are “critical infrastructure workers” under federal law. While we recognize that TARC’s safety changes may place additional burdens on our riders, we are asking for the community’s help in protecting our drivers. Even though PPEs and masks are in short supply, or it may take an extra moment to make a face covering at home, it is still vitally important that TARC’s workers are protected, and that those they come into contact with are protected.

The CDC’s circular on the making and wearing of cloth face coverings, including how anyone can make one from simple household items, can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

TARC would also like to issue a reminder that ridership on ALL TARC BUSES remains limited to “essential services only.” For those traveling for essential needs but who are not essential workers, if able, please avoid traveling on TARC during the peak travel times of 6am to 9am, and 2pm to 6pm.

Link to examples of essential trips

Link to additional details and a full list of steps TARC has taken to date in Response to COVID-19

In a continued effort to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, TARC is working in close partnership with local, state, and national offices.

All fixed-route buses and TARC3 vehicles are cleaned and sanitized daily in accordance with CDC guidelines.