SacRT expects driver shortages in coronavirus response. Ridership is already dropping
Sacramento Regional Transit officials Monday afternoon announced they anticipate driver shortages in the coming weeks and asked bus riders to check for cancellations as authorities try to slow the spread of coronavirus, which causes the respiratory illness COVID-19.
RT is adapting its operations in response to COVID-19, and officials recommend bus riders check the RT alerts webpage for possible bus trip cancellations.
The RT’s school routes will be temporarily suspending starting Tuesday during school closures in the Sacramento region, officials announced Monday. Service in these school routes will be resume at a later date, pending the reopening of local schools.
RT has been cleaning and sanitizing its buses, light rail vehicles, bus shelters, transit centers and light rail stations every day in increased efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“We are undoubtedly in unprecedented times and realize that the situation regarding COVID-19 is ever changing at incredible speed,” according to an RT statement on its COVID-19 updates webpage. “We are seeing the beginnings of a ridership decline related to school and business closures, administration recommendations for self-isolation, telecommuting, and social distancing.”
RT officials said riders should check the alerts page frequently, since the COVID-19 webpage only provides forecasted trip cancellations, in which trips can be restored at a later time.
They also said they will continue efforts to help prevent the coronavirus spread because Sacramento residents depend on SacRT to get to work, medical appointments and other critical destinations, “especially for those of who do not have the option to telecommute or access to other transportation options such as a car.”
This story was originally published March 16, 2020 at 3:55 PM.
