KALAMAZOO — Two Kalamazoo Metro Transit bus drivers have tested positive for coronavirus, causing the system to reduce bus service due to a shortage in staff, Executive Director Sean McBride told MLive Wednesday.
Starting Wednesday, Oct. 7, the bus system will reduce service due to a shortage of Metro staff for the fixed-route system, Metro announced in an alert to its website.
“These reductions are necessary to provide safe and consistent service to the community,” Metro said in the alert.
McBride said the bus system is operating with a limited staff. He declined to release specifics when asked how many Metro drivers are currently quarantining as a result. He said that component was a factor playing into the driver shortage.
Metro is encouraging riders to monitor changes to the bus schedule this week as routes are adjusted.
“It’s a fluid situation with staffing, so monitor our Facebook and website and MyStop app,” McBride said. “We’re here because we want to provide a great service to the community while also providing a safe service."
McBride said Metro is working with the Kalamazoo County Health Department to perform contact tracing among staff who may have been exposed to the infected drivers.
In standard conditions, Metro Transit operates with 20 regularly scheduled bus routes operating on 15-, 30- and 60-minute frequencies, depending on the route and the time of day.
“We have drawn separation between our drivers and our riders, we have barriers installed on the buses, so the in-person contact is very much minimized,” McBride said. “We’ve been trying to make sure our employees are safe.”
Effective Wednesday, Oct. 7, the following buses will provide hourly service with no quarter-to-the hour service:
- 1-Westnedge
- 2-Portage
- 9-Gull Road
- 14-West Main
- 16-Lovell
In addition to the scaled-back service for those five routes, the 12-Duke will not operate until further notice, according to Metro. The 25-Parkview Campus bus will follow the Friday time schedule, with just one bus in service.
Specific route information, including modified schedules, as well as regular updates on Kalamazoo public transportation issues is available at www.kmetro.com, through the myStop mobile app and on the bus system’s Facebook page.
Metro says additional temporary service changes to the fixed route system will be announced later in the week.
McBride reminded drivers that, despite the state Supreme Court ruling stating the governor has no authority to continue a state of emergency, it is still Metro policy that riders wear masks. The bus system will continue to thoroughly clean buses and require passengers to wear facial coverings that cover both nose and mouth, use hand sanitizer when boarding and socially distance while riding.
Also on MLive:
West Michigan school district begins in-house coronavirus testing
Michigan lawmakers to take up coronavirus bills this week after court invalidates Whitmer orders
Gov. has no authority to continue state of emergency, Michigan Supreme Court rules
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