Florida Transit Agency COVID- 19 Innovative Mitigation Strategies

5/7/2020

Today’s Presenters

▪ Paul Goyette, CUTR ▪ Lisa Bacot, FPTA ▪ Chris Geraci, JTA ▪ Caroline A. Hird, Citrus Connection ▪ Walter Kirkland, Star Metro ▪ Jafari Bowden, LYNX ▪ Jim Egbert, MCAT ▪ Paul Goyette on behalf of RTS Gainesville

Florida Transit Agency COVID- 19 Innovative Mitigation Strategies

Sponsored by the Florida Department of Transportation’s Florida Transit Safety and Operations Network (FTSON) and the Florida Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP).

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Disclaimer

▪ The information presented during this webinar is not considered official information and is only intended to provide examples of what other Florida transit agencies are doing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The FDOT/CUTR COVID-19 – Emergency Management Tips and Practices for Bus Transit Systems Resource Guide is a compilation of information related to the COVID-19 pandemic and is not an official document.

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

▪ Developed based on State of Florida Proclamations (Executive Orders) ▪ Guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) ▪ Source of material: • CTAA • National RTAP • FTA • APTA • Florida Department of Health • Florida transit agencies ▪ Updated bi-weekly ▪ https://ftson.org/covid-19-fl-bus-transit-systems/

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COVID-19 – Emergency Management Tips and Practices for Bus Transit Systems (cont’d)

▪ Including mitigation and containment techniques • Public transit facilities • Transit fleet/facility maintenance • Transit service modifications • Transit fare adjustments • Preliminary screening of employees and patrons • Social distancing implementations

COVID-19 – Emergency Management Tips and Practices for Bus Transit Systems (cont’d)

▪ Additional tips provided in the following categories: • Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) • Work remotely • Utilizing social media • Transit worker wellness

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Preforming Hazard Risk Analysis When Making Modifications and Changes

▪ Hazard risk analysis for all operational changes to support SMS (Safety Management Systems) • Placing signs on seats (screws that could protrude) • Taping off seats (introduce trip hazards) • Installing temporary barriers in buses (create new safety hazards) • Proper use of and knowing the limitations of PPE (face masks/shields could limit operate site lines)

Mitigating the Spread of COVID-19

▪ Temporarily designing out the potential of exposure (engineering controls) is the primary method of reducing risk of exposure ▪ Proper use and limitations of PPE ▪ Source supplies locally, if possible

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FPTA COVID-19 UPDATE

LISA M. BACOT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FLORIDA PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION

Mission/Vision

• Our Mission: – To continuously support improved public transportation and improve mobility opportunities in Florida through advocacy, education, and partnerships. • Our Vision: – FPTA is the leading force in supporting Florida’s public transportation and mobility industry.

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Activities Conducted by FPTA

www.floridatransit.org/coronavirus

Activities Conducted by FPTA

• Member of Public Transportation Emergency Management Committee • Held 2 Statewide Coronavirus Conference Calls • Created the Florida Transit Reopen & Recovery Task Force • Staff is attending numerous APTA, CTAA, FTA and other National Meetings

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Florida Transit Reopen & Recovery Task Force • FPTA Executive Committee, FDOT, and CUTR Staff • Sent letter to Governor's Reopen Florida Task Force • Holding Tier Member Meetings • Will develop a final set of recommendations for the Reopening and Recovery of Florida’s Transit Systems

Letter to Governor’s Reopen Florida Task Force

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FPTA’s Recommendations to the Governor’s Reopen Florida Task Force • Focus on Safety • Recognize and Maintain Social Distancing • Recognize That Transit System Employees are Essential Workers and Prioritize Testing For Transit Workers • Maximize Funding for Transit as an Essential Service

THANK YOU!

LISA M. BACOT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FLORIDA PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION [email protected] 850.445.8329

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CNG Strategy/Overview

JTA COVID-19 Response Chris Geraci, WSO-CSSD

AVP – Safety & Security/Chief Safety Officer 1

CNGInitial Strategy/Overview Measures Taken

Internal Actions External Actions • Developed Contagious Virus Response Plan • Communication with EOC early and often • Activated Incident Management Team • CDC/FDOH fact sheets and infection control • Internal communication to employees regarding steps measures posted on revenue vehicles and at the JTA has taken as well as prevention techniques transit stations • CDC/FDOH fact sheets and infection control measures • Cleaning & disinfecting vehicles and high-traffic posted in all common areas areas in facilities more frequently • All Agency travel suspended • Placed hand sanitizer stations throughout facilities and terminals • Postponed or cancelled all special events • Followed CDC, DOH, and FDOT’s COVID-19 – • All guest visitation to facilities suspended Emergency Management Tips and Practices for • Required all employees to self-report travel Bus Transit Systems • All fixed route buses already had operator barriers installed, which are an additional layer of protection

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ExtendedCNG Strategy/Overview Measures Taken

Administrative Actions Operational Actions • Implemented telework status for all non-essential • Initiated a service reduction to a modified employees Saturday schedule • Issued masks and individual hand sanitizer to • Saturday schedule plus three additional employees routes, express routes, and regional services • Mandated employees wear masks on JTA • Skyway service suspended properties or in revenue vehicles • Strategically blocked seats on buses and • Plexiglass partitions placed at customer-facing terminals to promote social distancing locations • Installed pictograms on the ground at transit • Weekly calls between Safety & Security and the center to promote social distancing EOC • Daily IMT video-conferencing • Communications with employees twice per week • Decided early that we would not suspend fares, • Daily calls with union leadership to discourage additional ridership • Frequent bus A/C filter changes 3

SocialCNG Distancing Strategy/Overview Collateral

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CNG Strategy/OverviewLocal Support

• Supporting testing sites with cooling/rehab buses • Additional buses provided for inclement weather sheltering • Sourcing sanitizer from local distilleries • Sourcing plexiglass partitions and signage from local companies

CNGContinued Strategy/Overview Innovation

• Supporting Mayo Clinic testing site by transporting COVID-19 test samples from test site to lab with autonomous vehicle • Fabricating face shields for employees internally using 3d printer • Procuring anti-viral coatings to be used with fogger system on buses

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COVID – 19 A SAFER COMMUNITY

▪ Implementing practices at Citrus Connection in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

▪ Proactive steps to protect operators and passengers

▪ To be a superior provider of transportation services

COVID – 19 A SAFER COMMUNITY

Supplying operators with sanitizing wipes (when available), gloves, hand sanitizer (when available)

Operators supplied with spray bottles filled with a disinfectant (Lysol concentrate) to wipe down interior of buses after each trip

Employees who wish to wear masks, may purchase and will be reimbursed up to $30.00

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COVID – 19 A SAFER COMMUNITY

▪ Having extra staff at terminals in the middle of the day to conduct thorough cleaning of interior of buses ▪ Spraying down all interior of buses at end of day with hospital grade disinfectant

▪ Route reductions to meet ridership and staffing levels

▪ Running Saturday schedules

▪ Closed seats within 6 feet of an operator

▪ Limiting ridership on buses by cordoning off seats to help promote social distancing

COVID – 19

A SAFER COMMUNITY

Suspended the occurrence policy. Allowed employees to call off without fear of disciplinary actions

Employees self select voluntary leave of absence for a period of four weeks (April 3rd-30th,) utilizing first sick time (If available), then vacation (if available), then unpaid. This has helped avoid any layoffs of staff

Allowing administrative staff to work from home when possible

Allowed employees with suspected COVID – 19 exposure to self quarantine at home for 14 days (In accordance with CDC guidelines)

If suspected exposure was on a vehicle, it was removed from service until disinfected

Written procedures and a schedule for cleaning all vehicles, main office and both terminals

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Operator Barriers to Prevent Spread of COVID-19

A risk assessment was conducted per the documents provided by FDOT on April 22, 2020 by the following employees for City of Tallahassee-StarMetro. ■ Daniel Dombrowski City of Tallahassee - Safety Specialist ■ Robby Powers City of Tallahassee - Safety Specialist ■ Michael Vaughan StarMetro - Supervisor of Equipment Services ■ Walter Kirkland StarMetro - Service Manager Reviewed by Rosemary Bosby, Operations and Compliance Manager (SMS- coordinator)

■ Assessment A: Potential or actual operator sight or hearing obstruction(s). • Clear plexiglass was selected during the design phase to facilitate the need for full vision in the right peripheral area and through interior mirror. • Adjustments or cutouts were introduced to allow for undistorted view of right exterior mirror. • Upon assessment, there was an issue with glare at certain times. It was determined to be minor in nature and based on operator surveys, once exposed to the glare it becomes less of a distraction when you get accustomed to it being there. It is not a blinding glare.

Assessment B: Distraction to operator.

• Size of barrier was considered in the design phase to allow for open communication with passengers. • Clear plexiglass was selected during the design phase to facilitate the need for full vision of passenger entry and wheelchair ramp area.

Assessment C: Operator’s comfort and ease of movement in the operator area. • Size of barrier was considered in the design phase to allow for ease of entry/exit of the driving area, as well as the ability to operate normally without any restriction. • A magnetic door securement system was designed to keep the door from swinging open during turns, but easily opened by the operator. During the design phase care was taken to avoid the possibility of bodily harm when entering/exiting the driver’s area by striking the magnet or securement bracket. • Material thickness was evaluated to eliminate as much noise and vibration as possible.

Assessment D: Barrier design and materials used to construct and install the barrier. • While acrylic sheets was the 1st choice due to best transparency and are harder to scratch, it is also more brittle and easier to crack and chip. Polycarbonate was the second choice. Although easier to scratch, it was determined to offer much more resilience than acrylic and during a crash would give or bend as opposed to shattering. • The original design was made of sheets of .220 thickness materials. After some testing on routes it was determined that the thickness needed to increase to .5 to extend the anticipated useful life of the system.

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Assessment D: Barrier design and materials used to construct and install the barrier.(Continued)

• Spring-loaded hinges were installed to assist with keeping the barrier closed. After getting the magnetic latch acceptable, the spring-loaded hinges may not be necessary. • All fasteners used will be rounded to eliminate potential for bodily harm.

Assessment E: Air circulation issues for the Operator and passengers. • Size of barrier was considered in the design phase to allow for full air flow in the driver and passenger compartment.

Assessment F: Blocked ingress/egress for operators or first responders. • Mounted positioning of the barriers will allow full access for the operator to exit the vehicle or for emergency evacuation by first responders.

Assessment G: Consider use and operation of ancillary equipment. • Barrier mounting does not impede operation or use of wheelchair ramps or lifts. • Design does not block or distort security camera views. • Design does not impede communications equipment such as stop announcements or radio communications. • Aisle clearance is not restricted by design or mounting.

StarMetro determined that Low to Medium risk level was acceptable for this project. Gillig FR Bus Severity Probability Risk Level Assessment A 3 D Medium Gillig install risk assessment level would be Assessment B 4 E Low Medium to Low risk. Assessment C 4 D Low Assessment D 3 D Medium Assessment E 4 D Low Assessment F 4 E Low Assessment G 4 E Low

Proterra FR Bus Severity Probability Risk Level Assessment A 3 D Medium Proterra install risk assessment level would Assessment B 4 E Low Assessment C 4 D Low be Medium to Low risk. Assessment D 3 D Medium Assessment E 4 D Low Assessment F 4 E Low Assessment G 4 E Low

Champion and Turtletop Cutaway Van Cutaway Van install risk assessment level Severity Probability Risk Level would be Low to Medium risk. Assessment A 3 E Medium Assessment B 4 E Low Assessment C 4 E Low Reference: Assessment D 4 E Low FDOT – Operator Barrier Guidance April 2020 PDF Document Assessment E 4 D Low FTA Guide to Developing the Safety Risk Mgt Component of a PTAS Assessment F 4 E Low Assessment G 4 E Low

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Protecting Workers and the Public During the COVID-19 May 7, 2020 Crisis

LYNX’s Goal

• Since the first day of this crisis LYNX has been clear that the health and safety of LYNX employees and passengers is our highest priority. The LYNX Board of Directors and staff have implemented significant measures to protect our workers and riders.

• LYNX’s process for protecting our employees and passengers are listed below: 1. Engineering Controls (Isolate people from the hazard) 2. Administrative Controls (Change the way people work) 3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Protect people with PPE)

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Guidance and Help

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Engineering Controls-Part 1

• Common use facilities, like gyms, that are not mission critical have been temporarily closed. • Driver shields have been ordered on an expedited emergency basis, and are expected to be installed over the next several weeks. • Placed chains on the bus to create a barrier for passengers to ensure a (6) feet distance between the passengers and the operator

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Engineering Controls-Part 2

• LYNX started installing sneeze guards on all of its vehicles to prepare for the day when we go back collecting fares.

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Administrative Controls-Part 1 Cleaning & Disinfecting

• Careful disinfecting of each bus using CDC-recommended disinfecting chemicals is performed daily. • Touch surfaces are wiped down regularly, and spray procedures are being utilized. • Every operating bus is disinfected every day, and buses are disinfected between shifts. • All facilities, lounges, elevators and others are undergoing enhanced cleaning and sanitizing several times per day, using CDC recommended disinfecting solutions. • Spray bottles with disinfectant and towels are being placed on each bus and at various locations across each facility so that employees can use them for additional disinfecting of their bus if desired.

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Administrative Controls-Part 2 Cleaning & Disinfecting

• Cards are being provided on each bus and common areas of each facility to certify that disinfecting was conducted that day.

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Administrative Controls-Part 1 Social Distancing

• Distancing per CDC guidelines is being strongly encouraged in drivers’ break rooms and other open facilities. Large posters and floor markings have been placed in each break room, and furniture is moved to provide appropriate distancing. Supervisors are asked to monitor compliance. • Bus cards are being placed on each bus to inform passengers of appropriate measures, as recommended by CDC, for social distancing and other precautions that passengers who use transit can take to protect themselves and drivers.

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Administrative Controls-Part 2 Social Distancing

• Capacity on buses is being limited. Only 10 passengers are boarded on a 35’ bus, 15 on a 40’ bus and 25 on a 60’ bus. • Meetings are held via teleconference or videoconference whenever practical. In person meetings are required to use safe CDC- recommended social distancing procedures. • Employees who are able to work remotely have been provided that technology.

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Administrative Controls-Part 1 Education, Information and Training

• Employees have been provided with instructions regarding care and sanitizing in handling of wheelchairs and other passenger amenities. • Posters and other educational materials have been posted agency-wide to inform employees of appropriate protective measures for themselves and others. • “Talking Bus” verbal messages are being provided on each bus to provide community information regarding this event to passengers. Platform messaging and head signs used as well to provide community service messages pertaining to this event. How do I use my existing technology?

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Administrative Controls-Part 2 Education, Information and Training

• Reminders have been posted on social media that passengers should ride only for “essential” trips and that people should not ride the bus if they feel sick. • A LYNX Intranet site specific to this event has been developed to provide up-to-the-minute information to employees. Resources are provided to employees regarding health and safe practices during this crisis. • EAP is provided to employees specifically dealing with anxiety relating to the current event. How do I change the • Provided training to frontline employees on COVID-19 way we work?

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Administrative Controls General Practices

• Employees are being advised to exercise caution if co-workers or passengers exhibit signs of illness, such as coughing and fatigue, or failing to follow guidelines for preventing the spread of the virus, and are advised to report these concerns immediately to a supervisor. Of course, if someone coughs or sneezes, allergy season is in bloom, so employees are also reminded to be kind to others. • Created a COVID-19 Task Force (Union Involvement) • Created numerous SOP’s related to COVID-19 • Used LYNX’s social media platforms to encourage passengers to wear a face covering.

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Administrative Controls CDC Travel Restrictions

• Travel restrictions were imposed for all employees in accordance with state and federal guidelines. All business travel has been curtailed, and non-essential personal travel is discouraged. • Employees who travel to CDC high risk locations, or who have been confirmed exposed to a diagnosed infected person, are not permitted to return to work until the CDC-recommended 14-day quarantine period has expired.

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Personal Protective Equipment

• Masks and gloves to each employee each day, and their use is strongly encouraged. • Employees have been provided with portable hand sanitizer for their own use.

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Q&A

Questions?

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Manatee County Area Transit COVID-19 2020

MCAT Event Response 1st Week – Preparation

During the week of March 9th, the Admin team met and reviewed the Emergency Plans and set in place the procedures to ensure staff was prepared to activate and operate the system under new controls.

• Posted CDC Advisory in all common areas, and bathrooms. • Covid-19 notifications were provided vis the Transit/Trolley onboard infotainment system, the County/MCAT website and Dynamic Message Signs at our Stations. • Antibacterial wipes for the Transit Station Office area, Transit Fleet Facility, Revenue Room and advised staff to use for work surfaces and door knobs. There are a healthy supply of gloves for employees. Masks ad Face Shields are ordered. • Mass notification using the IVR to advise our para transit clients of the same preventive measures as the CDC advisory. • Began to formulate a plan for phasing our Fixed Service Delivery as the ridership changes.

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Week 2 ▪ MCAT has begun a procedure to sanitize all facilities, vehicles and stations. This will be done twice per week on Sundays and Wednesdays. ▪ Hand Sanitizing Pumps were placed on every bus for operators and passengers use.

Week 3 Fixed Route Service ▪ A program to have all buses heavy “touch points” wiped down as each bus arrives at Transfer Stations.

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Week 3 Para Transit Service ▪ Each operator is equipped with gloves, masks and a face shield. ▪ After each trip, the Operator is equipped with sanitizer and wipes down the vehicle seats and areas used by the passengers and wiping down heavy touch points. ▪ Scheduling is set for social distancing and Clients are requested to wear face masks. We do supply them if needed.

Moving Forward

▪ Beach Express and Beach Connexion service have been suspended as of March 20th . ▪ On Monday, March 23, 2020 MCAT began rear door boarding and offering free fares to all fixed route and para-transit riders. ▪ Safety precautions that have already been underway were continuing. ▪ Service reductions were being planned as ridership declines. A three phase plan is being developed.

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April 4, 2020 the New Normal

▪ On Saturday, April 4, 2020 we began a modified schedule. Our service operation ended at 7:00 PM. With the Governors orders, most businesses being closed, there was no activity in our service area. ▪ We also reduced the Anna Maria Island Trolley to 60 minute service due to all business on the Island being closed. ▪ MCAT will now be serving essential trips with rear door, free fare boarding only. ▪ Ridership since has held steady at approximately 65% decline.

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Regional Transit System

April 2020

RTS COVID-19 Response  Update Emergency and COOP plans  Prepare Pandemic Plan  Modified Service Plans  Participation in City and County EOC efforts  Request for Volunteers for Additional Duties  Prepare Communication Campaign for employee and passengers  Working closely with Union Reps  Develop Internal and Communications Plan 2

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RTS COVID-19 Response  Transit Operator Protection Efforts  Fare Suspension  Back Door Access only (Except Wheelchair Patrons)  Issue of Face Masks  Purchase of Cleaning Equipment (Aeroclaves)

RTS COVID-19 Response  Driver Protection Efforts  Chain to Separate Transit Operator from Passengers  Social Distance Procedures (No more than 20 passengers per bus)  Temporary Barriers

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RTS COVID-19 Response  Volunteer Work  Vehicle Detailing (after every other trip)  Additional Cleaning Measures at Stations, Administration Buildings and Bus Shelters  In-House Making of Cloth Face Masks

RTS COVID-19 Response

Volunteer Work  Food Distribution  Covid-19 Patient Transportation (Procedures developed with County EOC)  Homeless Transportation to Hospitals and Hotels

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RTS COVID-19 Response  Internal and External Communication  Participation on City Communication Efforts  Employee Information (e.g., Newsletters, Digital signs, Website, etc.)

RTS COVID-19 Response  Potential Future Efforts  Issue Masks at Transfer Stations to Passengers  Install Hand Sanitizers on Buses  Use of Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Technology to Transport Equipment from testing sites to hospitals

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Closing Thoughts for Re-Opening and Maintaining

▪ Maintain social distancing on buses and at terminals ▪ Protect face is possible ▪ Continue with disinfecting practices on all buses and at stations ▪ Monitor the CDC, OSHA and maintain coordination with local health officials ▪ Consider maintaining signage on all buses and at terminals ▪ Use PPE or face coverings during early re-opening phases ▪ Continue to practice good hazard and risk assessments during creative mitigation development

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