COVID-19 Updates

updated 4/19/22

Masks Recommended

Masks are recommended when riding Metro buses and MOBY paratransit and to access Metro facilities, including transit centers, ORBT Stations, bus shelters, and Metro’s office.

Masks are no longer required on public transportation after a court ruling on April 18, 2022. The CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings at this time.

SERVICE IMPACTS

COVID-19 has presented an array of challenges for our community, including impacts on the hardworking and dedicated Metro teams that keep buses and paratransit vans running every day.

While we are doing everything we can to provide reliable and consistent transit services, COVID-19 may cause staffing challenges that result in temporary delays or changes in service times.

Riders can track their buses with MyRide OMA and create accounts to receive notifications about bus stops or routes.

Customer Service is available at (402)341-0800, Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Thank you for your understanding as our staff and community work through this monumental effort, and thank you for riding Metro.

eXECUTIVE & CDC ORDERS:

• White House Executive Order
• Federal Register: Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel
• CDC Mask Order
• CDC Federal Register Notice
• CDC Mask Order Press Release

ADDITIONAL MEASURES include:

• Adding an anti-microbial coating during Metro’s ongoing bus seat cleaning process
• Using an electrostatic sprayer on all buses and paratransit vehicles every evening, which disperses a CDC-approved disinfectant across all interior surfaces
• Trading out buses mid-day on the busiest routes for extra cleaning due to high ridership
• Installing safety shields around driver seats to reduce contact between drivers and riders; Metro staff are required to wear face coverings while operating a Metro vehicle or at a Metro facility
• Continuing a rigorous daily cleaning schedule with an increased concentration of disinfectant

If riders have concerns about particular buses, they are urged to notify a Metro employee, contact Metro’s customer service at (402)341-0800, or submit a comment through Metro’s online form.

MORE INFO

If you have questions or concerns about COVID-19, please contact local health authorities. For more information, please visit the following websites:

• CDC: mask definition
• CDC: wearing, making, and washing masks
• CDC: how to safely wear and take off a mask
• Douglas County Health Department
• Nebraska Medicine
• Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• World Health Organization

TIPS FOR RIDERS

Metro encourages riders, staff, and the public to follow the guidance of health officials. Nebraska Medicine has issued the following recommendations regarding prevention:

• Wear a mask over your mouth and nose.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, using hand sanitizer as a second option.
• Don’t touch your mouth, nose or eyes, especially with unwashed hands.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay at home.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing. Don’t cough or sneeze into your hands.
• Frequently clean and disinfect frequently touched objects in your home, car and workplace.

cLEANING MATERIALS

Metro understands that the use of some disinfectants may impact riders with chemical sensitivities. To help riders plan their travel and understand what to expect on board, the disinfectant that Metro currently uses is listed here:

• Betco pH7Q, a one-step disinfectant, germicidal detergent, and deodorizer, containing didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, n-Alkyl (C14 50%, C12 40%, C16 10%) demethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, and other inert ingredients