| Metro Phoenix Transit Workers to Get COVID-19 Vaccines | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/public-transit/1801 | Public Transit | | 3/11/2021 6:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/1801/Public_Transit_Newsroom_39.jpg | | Metro Phoenix Transit Workers to Get COVID-19 Vaccines | <div class="ExternalClass5B74F536FA9B4EC28DB27E3829D7157A"><html>
<p>
The Valley’s essential transit workers are now prioritized to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
<br>
</p>
<p>“I have advocated for quite some time for these essential workers to move up on the priority list, and am pleased to see the county take action,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “Since the pandemic began, these are the people who show up every day, and work in close contact with other people – sometimes helping them board a bus or even buckle a seatbelt. They do it despite the risk to their own health. There is no question they are the backbone of our local economy.”<br></p>
<p>The Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) will give the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine during an event that occurs March 12-14. There are approximately 4,000 frontline transit workers who serve metro Phoenix communities. <br></p>
<p>The event is open only to public transit personnel including bus, light rail and paratransit workers and is being shared with another sector of essential workers, United States Postal Service employees. Special thanks to MCDPH and the other event hosts—Phoenix Union High School District and Albertson’s/Safeway—for their commitment to frontline essential workers and protecting our community.<br></p>
<p>“There are thousands of transit workers in the Valley who, from day one of the pandemic, have shown up to keep our region moving," said Scott Smith, Valley Metro CEO. “I am awed by our team and their commitment to serving the public and other essential workers, including our grocery store and healthcare workers. They are truly heroes moving heroes.”<br></p>
<p>Transit workers are employed by Valley Metro, city of Phoenix and a dozen contracted firms, including First Transit, Transdev, Alternate Concepts, Inc., Allied Universal and DMS Facility Services, to name a few.<br></p>
<p>“Having several agencies working together as a team has allowed us to protect our frontline employees,” said Lynn McLean, General Manager, First Transit East Valley. “I want to thank those who have continued through this pandemic year to provide service to the public. I also want to thank the agencies that have provided this opportunity for transit workers to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their families and our passengers.”<br></p>
<p>About a year ago, Valley Metro and the city of Phoenix began implementing more stringent cleaning protocols and safety measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 and protect frontline staff and passengers. Enhanced cleaning and boarding limitations were put in place, face coverings were mandated, and temporary barriers were installed in the driver area to create a safe distance between operators and passengers. Permanent barriers are being installed on the entire bus fleet now. <br></p>
<p>For more information on how Valley Metro maintains a safe environment for transit workers and riders, visit <a target="_blank" href="https://www.valleymetro.org/covid-19">valleymetro.org/covid19</a>.<br></p>
<p>
<strong>About Phoenix Public Transit</strong>: The Phoenix Public Transit Department provides Phoenix residents a variety of transit options and is the largest member of the Valley Metro regional transit system. Services range from local and commuter buses to alternative transportation for senior citizens and special needs. The city of Phoenix funds transit, and other transportation improvements, through <a target="_blank" href="https://www.t2050.org/">Transportation 2050 (T2050) </a>- a local sales tax approved by Phoenix voters in 2015 - as well as county and federal funds. T2050 allows for enhanced bus service, transit-related technology improvements and fare media upgrades under the leadership of the Citizens Transportation Commission. Visit us at <a target="_blank" href="/publictransit">phoenix.gov/publictransit</a> or follow us on <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/PhoenixMetroBus">Twitter</a> for the latest news.<br></p>
<p>
<strong>About Valley Metro</strong>: Valley Metro exists to connect communities and enhance lives each day by providing eco-friendly public transit options in metro Phoenix. In Fiscal Year 2020, total ridership for the regional bus and 28-mile light rail system was 53 million passengers. Five high capacity transit extensions are in planning or under construction that will create a 50-mile system by 2030. Valley Metro also offers alternative transportation programs including paratransit services for seniors and people with disabilities, commuter vanpools, online carpool matching, bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Two Boards of Directors from 18 local cities and towns and the county set the policy direction for the agency with the intent of advancing the regional public transit system in Maricopa County. Stay up-to-date by following us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/valleymetro" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/valleymetro/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ValleyMetro" target="_blank">YouTube</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/valleymetro" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or by visiting <a href="http://www.valleymetro.org/" target="_blank">valleymetro.org</a>.</p><p><br></p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/publictransit | News | public-transit |
| Face Coverings on Public Transit Now a Federal Mandate | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/public-transit/1740 | Public Transit | | 2/2/2021 8:30:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/1740/Public_Transit_Newsroom_38.jpg | | Face Coverings on Public Transit Now a Federal Mandate | <div class="ExternalClass0BA87A8CC8594369B5E5B06241B18FA1"><html>
<p>On Jan. 21, 2021, President Biden issued an <strong>executive order requiring mask wearing on all modes of public transportation</strong> including intercity buses and trains. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an order which requires people to wear masks while on all public transportation and conveyances (trains, airplanes, ferries, etc.) and at transportation hubs. <br></p>
<p>On Jan. 31, the <a href="https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2021/01/31/tsa-implement-executive-order-regarding-face-masks-airport-security" target="_blank">Transportation Security Administration (TSA) released a security directive</a> to implement President Biden’s Executive Order and support enforcement of the CDC’s Order with an effective start date of Feb. 1, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. EST.</p>
<p>Since June 20, 2020, Phoenix Public Transit passengers have been required to wear face coverings in conjunction with local and regional declarations to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. This federal mandate takes precedence over previously enacted local actions.</p>
<p>
<strong>Riders are urged to plan ahead</strong> and bring their own face coverings before boarding any public transit. Riders also are required to properly wear the face covering according to <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-wear-cloth-face-coverings.html" target="_blank">CDC guidelines </a>for their entire trip, including covering the face and nose. </p>
<p>To assist transit passengers that do not have a face mask, Phoenix Public Transit will continue to provide<strong> free face coverings</strong> (as supplies allow) for riders at the following transit centers and libraries:<br></p>
<p>• Transit Centers: Central Station, Ed Pastor, Metrocenter and Sunnyslope</p>
<p>• Libraries: Burton Barr, Cesar Chavez, Desert Sage, Harmon, Palo Verde, Saguaro, Yucca</p>
<p>The face-covering requirement applies to all people two years of age and older, on any public transit vehicle or at any public transit facility, including waiting areas and bus and light rail stops. Guidance from the CDC instructs public transit personnel to use best efforts to ensure that every person wears a mask when boarding, disembarking and for the duration of travel. Best efforts include:</p>
<p>• Boarding only those persons who wear masks;</p>
<p>• Instructing people that federal law requires wearing a mask on public transit and failure to comply constitutes a violation of federal law;</p>
<p>• Monitoring persons onboard for anyone who is not wearing a mask;</p>
<p>• At the earliest opportunity, disembarking any person who refuses to comply; and </p>
<p>• Providing people with adequate notice to facilitate awareness and compliance of the requirement of the order to wear a mask.</p>
<p>Read the detailed information on the <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/21/executive-order-promoting-covid-19-safety-in-domestic-and-international-travel/" target="_blank">President’s Order</a> and the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/masks/mask-travel-guidance.html" target="_blank">CDC’s Order</a>, including definitions and instructions on wearing masks. </p>
<p>For the latest service information and COVID-19 public transit preventative measures, visit <a href="https://www.valleymetro.org/news/service-impacts-due-covid-19" target="_blank">valleymetro.org</a> and follow <a href="https://twitter.com/PhoenixMetroBus" target="_blank">@PhoenixMetroBus</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/valleymetro" target="_blank">@valleymetro</a> on Twitter. </p>
<p>
<strong>About the Phoenix Public Transit Department</strong>: </p>
<p>The Phoenix Public Transit Department provides Phoenix residents a variety of transit options and is the largest member of the Valley Metro regional transit system. Services range from local and commuter buses to alternative transportation for senior citizens and special needs. The city of Phoenix funds transit, and other transportation improvements, through <a href="https://www.t2050.org/" target="_blank">Transportation 2050 (T2050)</a> - a local sales tax approved by Phoenix voters in 2015 - as well as county and federal funds. T2050 allows for enhanced bus service, transit-related technology improvements and fare media upgrades under the leadership of the Citizens Transportation Commission. Visit us at <a href="/publictransit" target="_blank">phoenix.gov/publictransit</a> or follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/PhoenixMetroBus" target="_blank">Twitter</a> for the latest news.</p>
<div>
<br>
<br>
</div>
<p>
<br>
</p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/publictransit | News | public-transit |
| Light Rail Temporary Schedule Change and Station Closures | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/public-transit/1724 | Public Transit | | 1/27/2021 8:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/1724/Public_Transit_Newsroom_37.jpg | | Light Rail Temporary Schedule Change and Station Closures | <div class="ExternalClass41517F4E18B747A68AEB065BF5E45F01"><html>
<p>
Construction continues on the <a href="https://www.valleymetro.org/project/south-central-extension-downtown-hub/scedh-business-assistance-program" target="_blank">South Central Extension/Downtown Hub light rail project</a>. Later this month, crews will build new track connections for the Downtown Hub. To complete the work safely, certain areas of the light rail system will not be available to riders.
<br>
</p>
<p>
February 13-26 work occurs at the intersections of 5th Street and Washington and Central Avenue and McKinley. Both eastbound and westbound trains will alternate travel on a single track in downtown Phoenix.
</p>
<p>
Riders can board and de-board east- and westbound trains at
</p>
<div>
<ul>
<li><p>
Van Buren/1st Ave
</p></li>
<li><p>
Jefferson/1st Ave
</p></li>
<li><p>
3rd St/Jefferson
</p></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p>
The following platforms will be closed
</p>
<div>
<span style="font-size:13.3333px;"></span>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="" class="" dir="">
<li><p>
Van Buren/Central Ave
</p></li>
<li><p>Washington/Central Ave</p></li>
<li><p>3rd St/Washington</p></li>
</ul>
<p>
<span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;"></span>
</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p>
March 13-26 work occurs at the intersections of 5th Street and Jefferson and 1st Avenue and McKinley. Both eastbound and westbound trains will alternate travel on a single track in downtown Phoenix. </p>
</div>
<p>
Riders can board and de-board east- and westbound trains at:
</p>
<div>
<ul>
<li><p>
Van Buren/Central Ave
</p></li>
<li><p>
Washington/Central Ave
</p></li>
<li><p>
3rd St/Jefferson
</p></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p>
The following platforms will be closed:
</p>
<div>
<ul>
<li><p>
Van Buren/1st Ave
</p></li>
<li><p>
Jefferson/1st Ave
</p></li>
<li><p>
3rd St/Jefferson
<br></p></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p>
Because of this work, on February 13-26 and March 13-26, all light rail trains are estimated to arrive at platforms every 30 minutes during the entire service day. Typically, light rail service operates every 15 minutes on weekdays during peak hours, so riders are being asked to plan ahead to ensure timely arrivals at their destinations.
<br></p>
<p>
View the schedule that will be in effect during these two-week periods at <a href="https://www.valleymetro.org/maps-schedules/pardon-our-progress#light-rail-single-tracking" target="_blank">valleymetro.org/pardonourprogress</a>.
<br></p>
<p>
The South Central Extension/Downtown Hub project team developed this work plan based on safety, ability to maintain traffic, construction scheduling and most importantly, minimizing impacts to riders.
<br></p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/publictransit | News | public-transit |
