Is it safe to get back on the bus? Ask Bay Area public transit agencies - San Francisco Chronicle

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Bay Area public transit services are seeing a slow rise in ridership as the local economy reopens and people cautiously return to trains, buses and ferries amid the coronavirus pandemic.

While the sluggish numbers are not encouraging, the beleaguered transportation agencies are seeing reasons to be optimistic and responding with a comprehensive set of safety protocols in the hope of luring commuters back.

“Primarily, we’re taking measures to make sure transit is appealing and feels safe for those who are dependent on it,” said Paolo Cosulich-Schwartz, public affairs manager for the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District, which recorded an 88% drop in monthly bus ridership from pre-outbreak levels in April. (Golden Gate Ferry ridership fell 99.4% compared with the same period in 2019).

People returning to public transportation can expect familiar safety protocols based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those include mandatory face coverings for riders and operators, physical distancing markers and limited capacity on all vehicles.

Many of the Bay Area’s transit agencies, which remained operational through the state of California’s shelter-in-place orders for essential travel, are taking additional measures as people resume shopping, dining out and office work.

BART has a 15-step plan to welcome back riders that includes using hospital-grade disinfectant in stations and on trains. It is also running longer trains to help promote social distancing and offering personal hand straps for purchase that riders can take home and wash for reuse.

“We’re also asking our police officers to stay at fixed posts outside the fare gates to offer face coverings to people who may have forgotten their own at home,” said Jim Allison, media relations manager for BART, which is edging toward operating at 10% of its previous capacity with nearly 40,000 riders.

He said the officers are emphasizing education over enforcement when it comes to mask usage.

“Their main focus is going to be on serious crimes,” Allison said. “They’re not going to create a big scene over someone who doesn’t have a mask.”

Public transportation safety in the COVID-19 era will largely depend on patrons abiding by the established guidelines as they travel through small spaces designed to move large numbers of people.

“It does take a collective effort to reopen safely,” Cosulich-Schwartz said. “Wear a mask. Be courteous to fellow passengers. Be patient.”

Golden Gate Transit is encouraging its bus and ferry passengers to ride at off-peak times if possible, use Clipper cards for contactless payment of fares and to stay home if they’re feeling sick or showing symptoms of illness.

The agency has also installed moisture barriers on its buses to create a shield between drivers and riders.

A representative for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, which expects to lose the majority of its bus lines permanently, declined to comment to The Chronicle about its safety measures.

The Muni website suggests riders give themselves extra time as buses may pass by stops if they are half full or if waiting passengers are not wearing face coverings. It is also running its buses with open windows to increase the circulation of fresh air.

“Please continue to choose alternatives to Muni such as walking and bicycling whenever possible,” the agency’s website said. Muni is currently providing service to 25 of its 89 bus routes — up from 19 in April.

Bay Area public transportation services — which also include Caltrain and Amtrak, as well as SamTrans, Valley Transportation Authority and AC Transit buses — not only hope to fill the deficit created by people who are permanently working from home or choosing to move out of the region. They also have to win back public confidence.

The CDC released guidelines this month that urged people to use private cars rather than public transit when returning to work.

Since the early days of the pandemic, health experts have also urged people to avoid crowds, enclosed spaces and close contact with others who can release tiny infected droplets into the air by coughing, sneezing or talking.

Riding buses ranks as a moderate-risk activity. In cities where public transportation has returned to pre-lockdown capacity — including Seoul, Berlin and Tokyo — there have been no new coronavirus spikes traced to mass-transit usage.

“You worry most about the people you have contact with,” said Dr. Mark R. Cullen, founding director of the Center for Population Health Sciences at Stanford University. “Make sure you give yourself space, wear a mask, and bring sanitizer to wipe down the seats and armrests.”

For Golden Gate Transit, the protocols are showing encouraging results.

“We have not had any COVID-19 cases,” Cosulich-Schwartz said. “The credit goes to our agents and passengers for working together to keep everyone safe.”

Aidin Vaziri is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: avaziri@sfchronicle.com

How to stay safe on public transit

Wear face coverings: Each person over the age of 13 should wear a mask that securely covers their nose and mouth at all times when in public. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. “Every time you leave your house, make sure you have keys, wallet and mask,” said Jim Allison, media relations manager for BART. “Add that to the list of things on your checklist.”

Keep your distance: Maintain at least 6 feet of space between yourself and other riders. Do not board buses or trains that are more than half full. Follow established social-distancing markers in stations and at bus stops.

Travel at off-peak hours: If possible, switch up your commute times to avoid crowds at stops and stations, as well as on buses, trains and ferries. “If you can, go to the front or back of the train if middle cars seem a little bit crowded,” Allison said.

Keep your hands clean: If possible, avoid touching shared surfaces or use sanitizing wipes to clean bars and poles you may hang onto for balance. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol immediately after traveling.

Use contactless payment: Consider using a prepaid Clipper card to reduce touching surfaces like kiosks and touchscreens while traveling. Enter and exit buses through rear entry doors if possible.

Plan ahead: Buses may skip stops if they are at capacity, so travel with a flexible schedule. Several regular lines are not running, and transit agencies are constantly updating their services. “Check the schedule ahead of time to make sure your route hasn’t been affected,” said Paolo Cosulich-Schwartz, public affairs manager for the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District.

Protect others: Stay home if you’re feeling sick or have recently come into close contact with a person with COVID-19. “It does rely on a sense of community,” Allison said. “Do whatever you can to make it better.”

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