COVID-19 - Emergency Management Tips and Practices for Bus Transit Systems

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, FDOT and CUTR recognize the need to provide transit agencies with guidance to help them effectively respond to this crisis. This document is a compilation of tips, strategies, and practices that other public transit across the country have implemented to help reduce the risk of being infected and/or spreading the COVID-19 virus. Additionally, it is pertinent to include mitigation strategies and updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local emergency operations centers, and industry associations, such as the National Rural Transit Assistance Program (National RTAP), Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA), and the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). Many of the actions and practices listed herein may help prevent the spread of the virus and may offer protections to people who are not infected.

It is important to understand that this particular viral pandemic is relatively new to our country and response and practices are fluid in nature. As such, this document may be updated periodically as mitigation strategies, and Federal and state directives are issued. This document is not intended to be regulatory in nature and is only published and disseminated to offer suggestions based on what has been shared by Federal, state, and local governing bodies and the public transit industry. Additionally, care has been given to ensure the guidance given does not conflict with Federal or state laws, rules, regulations, or guidance issued by Federal or state agencies. Where applicable, links to resources and information are provided.

Transit agencies should continue to communicate and coordinate with their local emergency operations centers to obtain resources and make certain that updates, initiatives, and actions are following a unified command response. Also remember to report changes and updates to the respective FDOT district offices. This information is very important and FDOT Central Office shares this information with the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) to coordinate resources to local agencies.

It is helpful if transit agencies collect, maintain, and share all data related to emergency response activities. This information will be essential in developing best practices for our State going forward. Many of the tips, suggestions, and practices within this document may also be useful in assisting our extended transit family members, friends, and constituents in their efforts to combat this dangerous virus.