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Covid-19 Resources

AzTA is monitoring the impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus, and we will continue to provide current information & resources to public transit organizations in Arizona.

Any information/recommendations on the AzTA Website are not legally binding in their own right.  Conformity with information/recommendations is voluntary only.  Information is intended only to provide clarity to AzTA members regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.  If you have questions relating to COVID-19, please contact the CDC and your local public health agency directly.  

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Fact Sheet: U.S. Department of Transportation Details the American Rescue Plan’s Benefits for Transportation

 Resources
The U.S. Department of Transportation highlights the transportation elements of the historic American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP), which will provide immediate relief for American workers, help communities that are struggling in the wake of COVID-19, and ensure that our transportation system keeps running.

Fiscal Year 2021 American Rescue Plan Act Supplemental Public Transportation Apportionments and Allocations

 Resources
The American Rescue Plan Act includes $30.5 billion in supplemental appropriations allocated to support the transit industry during the COVID-19 public health emergency. FTA will send notification when funding is available for obligation through the Transit Award Management System (TrAMS).

CTAA Public Transportation’s response to the covid-19 pandemic and how it shapes transit’s future

 Resources

FTA Increasing Vaccine Confidence Among Transit Workers Webinar (May 17, 2021)

 Webinars/Training
Webinar Recording
View the Presentation Slides

MAG Response to COVID-19

 Resources
In an effort to provide timely and accurate information to those we serve in the region, MAG is focused on disseminating useful information about COVID-19 and the vaccine rollout.

USDOT Mask Up Toolkit

 Resources
U.S. federal law requires the wearing of face masks on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation. To get the message out to passengers about this new federal law, the U.S. Department of Transportation started the Mask Up initiative and developed a helpful FAQ page. We’ve also created materials to help industry and safety partners effectively communicate this mandate to the traveling public.

Federal Mask Requirement Transit Leadership Roundtable (February 23, 2021)

 Webinars/Training

FTA Federal Mask Requirement FAQs

 CDC, Resources

Federal Mask Requirement Transit Leadership Roundtable (February 16, 2021)

 Webinars/Training

FTA COVID-19 Recovery Practices in Transit

 Resources, Best Practices
This resource provides links to practices implemented by transit systems worldwide in response to COVID-19. Practices are organized under categories, including protecting workers and passengers; cleaning, disinfecting, and ventilating vehicles and infrastructure; operational considerations; passenger communications; and technology and innovation. FTA updates this document on a monthly basis.

Federal Mask Requirement Stakeholder Call (February 9, 2021)

 Webinars/Training

Presentation | Recording

Federal Mask Requirement Stakeholder Call (February 2, 2021)

 Webinars/Training

Presentation | Recording

APTA Guidance and Best Practices for COVID-19

 Cleaning/Disinfecting , Resources, Best Practices
The guidance and best practices are designed to aid transit agencies. They outline the elements agencies might choose to follow. Transit agencies should determine the applicability of the various guidance and recommendations based on their own system and community, and on their requirements, plans and policies.

Transit Tuesday Webinar: Diversity & Inclusion Committees

 Webinars/Training
Date: November 24, 2020

This webinar will explore agency Diversity and Inclusion Committees established by agencies. Panelists will discuss why agencies should set up a committee, how they are managed, and what topics and policies committees should consider. Panelists will outline lessons learned and what the future holds, considering the ongoing national conversation around race and equity.

Panelists:

  • Samantha Einarson, Pierce Transit
  • Collina Beard, Lane Transit
  • KeAndra D. Cylear Dodds, LA Metro
  • Darnell Grisby, Executive Director, TransForm

Moderated By:

  • Justin D. Leighton, Executive Director – WSTA

Rural Transportation Connects Webinar

 Webinars/Training
Date: November 10, 2020

Discover practical and impactful tools to connect older adults to their communities through transportation services.

Blind Spot, a new resource developed by Grantmakers In Aging with Age Friendly Arizona, features compelling data and insights from the field to support communities in launching transportation services for older adults in rural areas.

Leaders from AARP, rural Arizona, and Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust will share their deep expertise and diverse perspectives to give participants the tools, context, and innovations vital to supporting mobility in rural communities.

Speakers include Jana Lynott, AARP with a call to action for communities to remove insurance barriers for volunteer drivers; Stacey Easterling, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust to demonstrate how philanthropy can catalyze sustainable change; Christopher Bridges, Central Yavapai Metropolitan Planning Organization to offer a rural and transportation provider perspective; and Becky Miller, Arizona Transit Association to illustrate the importance of bridging among transportation and aging partners.

This webinar is a partnership among Age Friendly Arizona and Grantmakers In Aging with support from the May and Stanley Smith Charitable Trust and The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation.

Transit Tuesday Series: Celebrating ADA at 30th - What’s Next?

 Webinars/Training
Date: November 10, 2020

This webinar will discuss the history of the passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) thirty years ago and turn to the future highlighting innovative programs and tools to increase mobility options for people with disabilities. Speakers will discuss services they are providing to move riders from limited paratransit services to fixed route or deviated fixed route transportation that increases access for all riders. Additionally, speakers will discuss ideas for increasing equity in your organization by recruiting and hiring people with disabilities.

Sponsored by: Q’Straint

The panelists for this webinar are:

  • Marshall Burns, Independent Living Services
  • Donna Smith, Sound Transit
  • Michelle Witman, Asset Based Consulting
  • Bonnie Epstein, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority

Co- Moderated By:

  • Jacklyn Montgomery, Executive Director - CALACT
  • Justin D. Leighton, Executive Director – WSTA

APTA Health & Safety Commitments Program

 Resources, Best Practices

The APTA Health & Safety Commitments Program is designed to help public transit agencies put in place their own, individualized policies and practices that transit users have told us they want and expect. The Program defines four core categories of responsibilities – for every transit agency and for their passengers – making this a true partnership for health and safety.

  • Following public health guidelines from official sources
  • Protecting each other by requiring face coverings and other protection
  • Keeping passengers informed and empowered to choose the safest times and routes to ride
  • Putting health first by requiring riders and employees to avoid public transit if they have been exposed to COVID-19 or feel ill

Public Transit and COVID-19 Pandemic: Global Research and Best Practices

 Resources, Best Practices

Transit Tuesday Series: Maintaining Employee Wellness During A Crisis

 Webinars/Training
Date: September 8, 2020

Working during a pandemic has increased work duties and created an environment of uncertainty, adding stress to transit employees that can jeopardize employee’s health. This webinar will focus on Employee Wellness programs, activities and exercises that can help employees lower stress, engage in self-care and wellness during this unprecedented epidemic.

The panelists for this webinar are:

  • Sandra Smith-McDonald, AC Transit, Oakland, CA
  • Sandra Gonzalez, Pace Suburban Bus, Chicago, IL
  • Forrestine Coombs, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority
  • Stacy Kesten, Ensight Partners

COVID-19 Recovery Vendor List for Public Transportation

 Cleaning/Disinfecting , Resources

Transit Tuesday Series: Innovating During a Time of Crisis

 Webinars/Training
Date: August 11, 2020

Across the country, transit agencies of all sizes are thinking outside the box to continue meeting the needs of their communities in the face of a global pandemic. From integrating new technologies to reimagining service models, this webinar will showcase how four of your peer agencies are reshaping mobility and evolving to continue providing essential public transportation services. Join our next Transit Tuesday Webinar to gain insight and tools that can help your agency navigate this period of disruption.

The Panelists for this webinar are:

  • Michael Feldman, Director of U2C, Jacksonville Transportation Authority (FL)
  • Chris Campbell, Transit Director, Kingsport Area Transit Service (TN)
  • Alan Budde, Transit Manager, Napa Valley Transportation Authority (CA)
  • Rebecca Schenck, Principal Planner, Napa Valley Transportation Authority (CA)
  • Steve Blaska, Chief Operations Officer, Spokane Transit Authority (WA)

Moderated by:

  • Justin D. Leighton, Executive Director, Washington State Transit Association

Transit Tuesday Series: Restoring Transit Riders’ Confidence

 Webinars/Training
Date: July 28, 2020

Transit has proven itself to be an essential service throughout the pandemic, although the CDC initially discouraged transit use in response to COVID. Understanding how to restore during an unexpected crisis is an essential skill. This session will provide ways to manage the internal and external communication environment, provide data analytics from a brand new national public opinion project, and show-n-tell examples from agencies to restore community confidence while capitalizing on unexpected support.

The panelists for the webinar are:

  • Morgan Lyons – Lyons Strategic (former Vice President, External Affairs, Dallas Area Rapid Transit [DART])
  • Scott Wilkinson – CEO, AlphaVu
  • Jim Wright – Partner, Pulsar Advertising

Transit Tuesday Series: Leading a Reinvention After Disruption

 Webinars/Training
Date: July 14, 2020

The recent pandemic disruption has challenged how we prioritize our goals and resulted in us working differently. This disruption caused a pivot in everyday work processes and procedures for businesses across the globe. As we embrace a “new normal”, it is a good time to take stock of what we learned and how this can make us better going forward.

This session will discuss how you can reinvent parts of your organization applying what we have learned through the pandemic disruption to improve business efficiencies and employee engagement.

The panelist for the webinar is: 

Mindy Price, Chief PACE Setter, Direct Effect Solutions, Inc.

Case Study: Public Transit During COVID-19 and the Road to Recovery

 Resources
This new case study on the Learning Center explores how transit agencies have addressed the unique challenges posed by the pandemic, highlights how they are preparing for a resurgence of riders, gives short- and long-term recommendations based on lessons learned, and links to additional resources from other organizations.

Best Practices Spotlight Article: Coronavirus Disease 2019

 Resources, Best Practices
The COVID-19 Best Practices Spotlight Article provides best practices and guidance on safety, communications, funding, and more from the perspectives of state, rural and tribal transit managers, and clinical experts.

Transit Tuesday Series: Planning for a Pandemic and Preparing for Recovery

 Webinars/Training
Date: June 30, 2020

During this webinar, learn how to set your agency up for success as you hear about best practices in developing a pandemic response plan, how to begin preparing for recovery and what should be included in an after-action plan.

The panelists for the webinar are: 

  • Robert Codie, LeeTran - FL
  • Rufus Francis, Santa Cruz Metro - CA
  • Polly Hanson, APTA
  • Kathleen Bracke, Boulder County – CO

Cleaning and Disinfecting Transit Vehicles and Facilities During a Contagious Virus Pandemic

 Cleaning/Disinfecting , Resources
This white paper discusses current industry practices for cleaning and disinfecting transit vehicles and facilities in response to a pandemic virus.

The ADA and Face Mask Policies

 Resources
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our world in many ways. People with disabilities, people with chronic health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes, and people over the age 60, are at a higher risk of becoming infected and most likely to become seriously ill.

Transit Tuesday Series: Human Resources Best Practices in a COVID-19 World

 Webinars/Training
Date: June 16, 2020

Learn about Human Resources best practices during the Covid-19 pandemic. Panelists from transit agencies from across the country will discuss pressing topics including administrative leave, return-to-work, communicating with staff, hazard pay, COVID-19 positive employees, and more. This webinar will illustrate how agencies can reduce risk, alleviate employee stress and minimize dissatisfaction during the Pandemic.

Speakers are:

  • Lawrence Bond, Roaring Forks Transportation Authority, CO
  • Kelly Halcon, Monterey Salinas Transit, CA
  • Karen McGeady, Peilvan Transit, OK
  • Jamie Leonard, Rabbit Transit, PA
  • Cesar Portillo, Community Transit, WA
  • Jennifer Hirsch, Rock Island County MetroLINK, IL

Webinar: ADOT 5311 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, (CARES) Act of 2020 Implementation

 CARES Act, Webinars/Training

Developing a Pandemic Virus Service Restoration Checklist

 Resources
APTA's white paper covers the development of a service restoration checklist for transit agencies impacted by a pandemic virus.

Public Health Considerations for Reopening Mass Transit during the COVID-19 Pandemic

 CDC
The purpose of this tool is to assist mass transit administrators in making (re)opening decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to check with state and local health officials and other partners to determine the most appropriate actions while adjusting to meet the unique needs and circumstances of the local community.

EPA Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools and Homes

 Cleaning/Disinfecting
Cleaning & Disinfecting: Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools and Homes

What Transit Station Workers Need to Know About COVID-19

 CDC
For transit station workers, potential sources of exposure include having close contact with a transit passenger with COVID-19, by touching surfaces contaminated with coronavirus, or by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

What Transit Maintenance Workers Need to Know About COVID-19

 CDC
For transit maintenance workers, potential sources of exposure include close contact with a coworker with COVID-19, contacting surfaces touched or handled by a person with COVID-19, or by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

What Rail Transit Operators Need to Know About COVID-19

 CDC
For rail transit operators, potential sources of exposure include having close contact with a passenger with COVID-19, by contacting surfaces touched or handled by a person with COVID-19, or by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

What Bus Transit Operators Need to Know About COVID-19

 CDC
For bus transit operators, potential sources of exposure include having close contact with a bus passenger with COVID-19, by contacting surfaces touched or handled by a person with COVID-19, or by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act

 CARES Act
The CARES Act provides emergency assistance and health care response for individuals, families and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and provide emergency appropriations to support Executive Branch agency operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

FAQs: 2020 CARES Act Funding Reimbursement

 CARES Act

Webinar: ADOT E-Grants 5311 CARES Act Reimbursement

 CARES Act, Webinars/Training

CARES Act Funding

 CARES Act
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) released apportionment tables for the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act" or “CARES Act." This legislation includes provisions for new transit funding to assist providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding package is the largest transit appropriation in history and will benefit recipients of Section 5307 Urbanized Area Formula Grants and Section 5311 Formula Grants for Rural Areas.

Webinar: Public Transportation Responds: Safeguarding Riders and Employees

 Webinars/Training

Webinar: Keeping Public Transit Workers and Riders Safe During the COVID-19 Pandemic

 Webinars/Training
Source: APTA
APTA and CDC

Webinar: Effective Methods to Clean and Disinfect Transit Vehicles

 Cleaning/Disinfecting , Webinars/Training
Source: APTA
cleaning webinar

Webinar: Managing Transit Funding and Financing During the Pandemic

 Webinars/Training
Source: APTA
managing funding webinar

Guide: Public Transit Pandemic Planning and Response

 Resources
APTA's summary of key points from NCHRP Report 769: A Guide for Public Transportation Pandemic Planning and Response.

Best Practices Toolkit

 Resources, Best Practices
Source: CTAA

Guide: Safeguarding Riders and Employees

 Resources
Strategies and tactical guidance for public transportation agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic and to inform future pandemic preparedness.

Arizona Department of Health Services

 
The Arizona Department of Health Services promotes and protects the health of Arizona’s children and adults. We strive to set the standard for personal and community health through direct care, science, public policy, and leadership.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

 CDC
CDC is the nation’s health protection agency, working 24/7 to protect America from health and safety threats, both foreign and domestic.

World Health Organization

 
Read the latest updates about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic