More rigorous cleaning procedures, required face coverings, and contactless fare payment among changes made in response to COVID-19.
Watch how our heroes are safely moving us forward.
Here’s what you need to know when you return to public transit:
Face Coverings Optional
Effective September 23, 2022, face coverings are optional due to a new health order issued by LA County Public Health. Face coverings may include fabric masks, bandanas, scarves, and neck gaiters, so long as they fully cover your nose and mouth.
Children under the age of two (2) should not wear a face covering, nor should anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unable to remove the covering without assistance. Children between the ages of two (2) and eight (8) should only wear a face covering with help and supervision from an adult.
Contactless Fare Payments Preferred
Customers can make contactless fare payments with TAP or a mobile ticket. Contactless is the safer, faster, and more convenient way to pay your fare. Regular customers can ride Big Blue Bus for only $1.10 each way with contactless fare payments; Senior/Disabled/Medicare (S/D/M) customers ride for just $0.50.
To learn more about making contactless fare payments on Big Blue Bus with TAP or a mobile ticket, visit: bigbluebus.com/contactless.
Service Changes
Big Blue Bus is restoring service to pre-pandemic levels, as our region returns to school, work, and play. Buses are coming more frequently, and service that was discontinued when travel behavior shifted during the pandemic is being now reinstated.
As road and COVID-19 conditions continue to evolve, we strongly recommend you check Big Blue Bus's service alerts before traveling - it is where you can find the most up-to-date information on service delays or changes.
Increased Ventilation
Well-ventilated spaces help prevent the spread of COVID-19. To increase airflow on board, customers and Operators now have the option to open their immediate window.
Cleaning and Sanitization
Big Blue Bus has implemented enhanced cleaning protocols, to safeguard the health of customers and staff. The entire fleet is cleaned and sanitized nightly, and hospital-grade solutions are used to wipe down high touch areas, such as stanchions, nylon straps, rails, seats, front and rear doors, seat frames, chime cords, stop buttons, the Operator cabin, and more. Further, facilities where Big Blue Bus employees work are disinfected daily.
If there is a concern that someone who may have COVID-19 has been on board a bus, the vehicle is removed from service and thoroughly disinfected.
Protecting Big Blue Bus Staff
Sanitizer
Employees are provided with sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.
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Face Coverings
All employees have been provided gloves and reusable cloth face coverings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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Protective Barriers
To provide extra protection for our Operators, we are updating our fleet with clear plastic protective barriers.
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Sick Leave
All employees can take leave for COVID-19, including to quarantine themselves due to possible exposure, or care for a family member.
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Stronger Together
Safety is a shared responsibility, and we all play a role in keeping Big Blue Bus healthy and safe. We recommend the following safety tips when traveling on public transit:
- Face coverings are optional when riding transit or out in public.
- Avoid crowded buses and wait for the next bus, when possible.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, before and after you travel. Hand washing tips from the CDC can be viewed here.
- Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol after touching frequently handled surfaces, such as stanchion bars, straps, seat backs, or handles.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve (not your hands).
- Limit unnecessary travel and stay home if you are not feeling well, even if your symptoms are mild. It's better for you and it keeps others from getting sick, too.
By working together, we can flatten the curve and protect the most at-risk members of our communities!