Metro is encouraging social distancing on buses and trains, and has implemented safety measures such as rear door boarding on buses. (photo by Edwin Folven)

Metro buses and trains are operating at reduced levels during the coronavirus public health emergency, and more cleaning and sanitation is occurring to keep staff and the public safe.

Metro announced on March 22 that most riders are required to board and exit buses through rear doors to better conform with social distancing requirements. The front door will remain open to riders in wheelchairs and others who need a wheelchair ramp.

Metro is also requiring all bus operators to use a built-in transparent protective barrier to help isolate them from the public. Riders are not expected to use the fare box or TAP validator at the front of the bus, but must have a TAP card with funds loaded on them during travel.

Riders are asked to practice social distancing aboard buses and trains by spreading out and staying at least six feet from other riders. With many people staying home from work, more room is available on buses for social distancing, Metro officials said.

Metro CEO Phillip A. Washington held a briefing on March 20 and assured the public that the bus and rail system will continue to operate.

“Let me make it abundantly clear, we have no plans to shut down our transportation system,” Washington said. “We are operating with caution, but we are not operating from a position of fear. We understand the devastating effect that COVID-19 is having. People rely on Metro as a provider of public transportation services. Millions of people rely on Metro for their transportation needs to get to jobs. As evidence of this, despite the COVID-19 outbreak, approximately 40% of Metro’s daily riders continue to use our system. “

Metro has adjusted bus and rail schedules in response to the decrease in ridership. On buses, service levels have been reduced 15% to 20% countywide, although planners will strategically make adjustments to service on routes with higher ridership to minimize inconvenience on the busiest lines.

On all Metro trains, final trips will depart terminal stations at midnight. To make final train connections, riders are recommended to start their trips no later than 10:30 p.m.

Metro Rail will run scheduled weekend service as usual on Saturday and Sunday, with a weekday hybrid schedule. Trains on the Red, Purple, Blue, Expo and Gold lines will run every 12 minutes between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., and every 20 minutes at all other times. Purple Line trains will have four cars and Red Line trains will have six cars to enable riders to better maintain proper social distancing of six feet.

“We take this responsibility very, very seriously,” Washington said. “Public transportation service is a lifeline for riders here in the most populous county in the United States, and our customers include critically-important first responders, hospital workers, essential city and county workers, among others.”

Riders are encouraged to monitor Metro schedules for the latest updates. For information, call (323)GOMETRO, or visit metro.net.