More Hours, Safety Barriers For Valley Metro Buses In Phoenix
Phoenix says more people are returning to public transportation and on Wednesday the City Council approved a partial restoration of bus service.
Starting Monday, Oct. 26, some Valley Metro buses in Phoenix will start running at 4 a.m. weekdays and 5 a.m. on weekends. Some commuter RAPID routes will also be added. Details can be found at Valley Metro’s website.
Seating changes are coming, too. In order to ensure social distancing, signs will be added to limit seating to every other row. Currently, riders are encouraged to maintain a distance of at least six feet of space. A spokesperson for Phoenix Public Transit told KJZZ every other row seating should be rolled out over the next few weeks.
Permanent shields to protect bus drivers are currently on order. The city will use up to $3.2 million in federal coronavirus relief funds to install nearly 500 health and safety barriers.
Face coverings are required for riders and operators and boardings are still taking place at the rear doors. The Public Transit Department has requested no expansion of light rail service.
