WRTA Taking Steps to Deal with Coronavirus Concerns

In light of concerns, both globally and nationally, about the coronavirus pandemic, WRTA wants to assure riders that our buses remain safe to ride.

We have put the following measures in place:

• WRTA has always cleaned their buses after each day of service — wiping down all surfaces as needed, including fare boxes, seats, handrails, straps, etc. They have now implemented even more aggressive sanitizing procedures that include disinfectant spraying and cleaning, along with treating with electrostatic sanitizing equipment throughout the buses’
• Downtown Youngstown’s Federal Station will also undergo thorough cleaning and sanitizing several times a day.
• Employee work areas (lockers, break rooms, restrooms, etc.) at the WRTA yard on Mahoning Avenue are also on a more aggressive cleaning and sanitizing routine.
• Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) such as hand wipes and rubber gloves has been made available to all WRTA drivers.
• For passengers’ convenience, every WRTA Fixed Route bus has a hand sanitizer dispenser located immediately to the left of the driver seating area. This dispenser works automatically when one’s hand is placed beneath it; there is no need to touch any part of it.

Since direct person-to-person contact is still the primary means by which the coronavirus is spread, WRTA passengers are encouraged take their own precautionary measures at all times, including when riding the bus:

• Respect the personal space of others around you.
• Avoid shaking hands. If you do, try to wash them or apply hand sanitizer as soon as possible.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• If you cough or sneeze, cover it with a tissue, and dispose of the tissue in the trash. If none is available, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow.
• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently, taking at least 20 seconds to do so. Dry your hands thoroughly.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content.
• To the greatest extent possible, avoid large crowds.
• If you’re feeling sick, stay home from work and avoid contact with others until you’re well again.

Riders with questions can call WRTA Customer Service at (330) 744-8431.