Metro News

Two-step cleaning process with EPA-rated disinfectants to kill coronavirus and shields are among preventive measures to keep customers and employees safe.
CINCINNATI – Metro was notified that two operators have tested positive for COVID-19. The individuals are quarantining at home.

Due to HIPAA regulations, as well as respect for personal privacy, Metro is not naming the employees. We send our thoughts for a quick recovery and offer support of our team members in any way we are able.

Per standard safety guidelines, Metro immediately conducted contact tracing and has notified other employees who may have come into contact with the operators.

In accordance with instructions from the Cincinnati Health Department, we are informing the public that one of the operators last provided service on Nov. 16 on Rt. 74X Northgate Express via Banning from 6:33 to 8:06 a.m. The other operator last provided service on Nov. 16 on Rt. 24 Anderson – Uptown from 11:25 a.m. to 6:46 p.m. The operator also provided service Nov. 14 on Rt. 78 Springdale – Vine/Lincoln Heights from 8:42 a.m. to 4:31 p.m.

If members of the public have concerns that they may have come into contact with the affected operators, we advise them to closely monitor their health and follow all CDC guidelines, including contacting a medical professional should they develop symptoms.

Metro continues to operate under guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and public health departments to ensure the health and safety of our riders and employees.

Keeping customers and employees safe during COVID-19

Metro remains committed to providing essential public transportation service as safely as possible and has implemented a number of measures including:

• Applying an EPA-rated Tier 1 disinfectant that kills the coronavirus to all buses and surfaces inside buses and facilities, including poles, stanchions, seats and facilities, including Government Square.
• Using an electrostatic sprayer which promotes surface adhesion to apply an EPA-registered antimicrobial.
• Employing plexiglass barriers on board all buses as an added layer of protection between customers and operators at the farebox.
• Requiring masks, scarves or other facial coverings while riding.

For the health and safety of all, we ask riders to observe the following:

• Pay fare using Transit App with EZFare for contactless payment.
• Stand behind the plexiglass barrier at the farebox.
• Spread out as much as possible on board.
• Observe CDC safety guidelines including using hand sanitizer, washing hands regularly, and covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue.

Metro is a non-profit, tax-funded public service of the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, providing about 13.5 million rides per year.