Coronavirus Info (COVID-19):
Staying Proactive

As of April 19, 2022, masks are no longer required to ride Metro and Access transit vehicles or to wait at Metro transit centers. The decision adheres to the Transit Security Administration's (TSA) announcement that it would no longer enforce the requirement implemented in February 2021 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC still encourages the use of facial coverings as a measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and Metro customers and operators may still wear masks onboard if they wish.

Metro staff is taking the necessary actions to help prevent the potential spread of the coronavirus. We monitor coronavirus developments on a daily basis and receive frequent updates from local, state, and federal public health agencies and local jurisdictions.

Metro, along with all other transit systems, is taking guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and public health departments. Additionally, Metro is committed to providing the transit services our customers need to maintain their quality of life. 

Rigorous Vehicle Cleanings:

In addition to the daily cleaning of our buses, we have implemented a two-step cleaning process with EPA-rated disinfectants to kill coronavirus.  

Specifically, here is what Metro is doing:

• Applying an EPA-rated Tier 1 disinfectant that kills the coronavirus to all buses and surfaces inside buses and facilities, including poles, stanchions, and seats.
• Using an electrostatic sprayer that promotes surface adhesion of an EPA-registered antimicrobial.
• Providing hand sanitizing stations in all garages and offices for use by operators and maintenance employees and administrative employees, along with gloves and masks.

  

National Health & Safety Commitments Program

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Metro has worked tirelessly to keep riders safe from infection from the coronavirus. Along with more than 100 public transit systems across the country, Metro has joined the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Health and Safety Commitments Program.

In order to join this national program, Metro has committed itself to the highest standards of health and safety for our customers and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Tips for Riders

Help us stop the spread of COVID-19:

• Wear a mask or other facial covering while riding, recommended by the CDC, TSA, and the Federal Transit Administration.
• Make use of hand sanitizer dispensers installed on Metro buses. 
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Consider paying fare with the Transit app on your smartphone for contactless payment.

 

Operator COVID-19 Cases

In accordance with instructions from the Cincinnati Health Department, Metro informs the public when a Metro transit operator who has provided service to the public has tested positive for COVID-19. If members of the public have concerns that they may have come into contact with an affected operator, we advise them to closely monitor their health and follow all CDC guidelines, including contacting a medical professional should they develop symptoms.

The information below reflects the dates, routes and times of day (over the last eight weeks) that, to Metro's knowledge, were served by an operator who later reported testing positive for COVID-19:

Date	Route	Time of Service
April 30	Rt. 24	4:00 p.m. - 10:45 p.m.
April 30	Rt. 78	2:22 p.m. - 3:54 p.m.
March 2	Rt. 6	2:15 p.m. - 6:08 a.m.
March 2	Rt. 33	4:43 a.m. - 9:39 a.m.
March 1	Rt. 4	4:38 a.m. - 9:56 a.m.
March 1	Rt. 41	2:57 a.m. - 6:33 p.m.
Feb. 17	Rt. 24	4:40 a.m. - 2:56 p.m.
Feb. 16	Rt. 24	4:40 a.m. - 2:56 p.m.
Jan. 31	Rt. 17	9:05 a.m. - 6:25 p.m.
Jan. 30	Rt. 17	9:05 a.m. - 6:25 p.m.
Jan. 26	Rt. 32	5:14 a.m. - 2:27 p.m.
Jan. 18	Rt. 90	12:42 p.m. - 10:15 p.m.
Jan. 17	Rt. 17	1:30 p.m. - 9:46 p.m.

Get accurate information about coronavirus and prevention at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus

 

For more information, contact:
Mike Weil, Interim Chief Safety Officer
mweil@go-metro.com