COVID-19: SolTrans Updates

Updated (April 6, 2020 11:45 AM)

To slow the spread of COVID-19, the CDC recommends wearing a cloth face covering in public spaces, keeping at least 6 feet of physical distance, and frequently washing your hands.
We are committed to help reduce the risk of transmission by following physical distancing measures. Please wear face coverings when out in public, board at the rear doors and stay six feet apart from the bus operators and fellow riders while boarding and riding the bus. We’re still operating for essential travel, please stay home otherwise.

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Updated (March 31, 2020 11:30 AM)

In response to Solano County Department of Public Health’s extended social distancing order through April 30, 2020, SolTrans will continue to provide Saturday service on weekdays for all Local, SolanoExpress and Paratransit service through May 1, 2020. The following routes will not operate during the service reduction: Route 12, 15, 17, 38 and 82. The public is encouraged to stay at home at this time and only use transit for essential or lifeline services.

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Updated (March 23, 2020 3:30 PM)

SolTrans is implementing new operational procedures to promote social distancing measures that will help “flatten the curve” and reduce the spread of COVID-19.

SolTrans will not collect fares on Local, SolanoExpress and Paratransit service.

This measure is meant to eliminate passenger interaction with fareboxes and reduce close contact between drivers and passengers. Don’t forget, passengers can enter and exit through the rear doors of the buses (except those needing assistance via the ramp) and are encouraged to practice social distancing by sitting six feet away from the drivers and each other.

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Updated (March 18, 2020 6:00 PM)

SolTrans to Reduce Service Weekdays

In response to Solano County’s mandated shelter-in-place, effective Monday, March 23, 2020 SolTrans weekday service will operate on a Saturday Schedule.

SolTrans Local, SolanoExpress and Paratransit service will operate a Saturday service schedule on weekdays from Monday, March 23 until Friday, April 10, 2020. Schedules can be found at SolTrans.org. The reductions will also affect:

• Customer Service – available weekdays 8 am – 5 pm
• Vallejo Transit Center Ticket Office – open weekdays 8:30 am – 4 pm
• Curtola Park and Ride Ticket Office – Closed
• SolTrans Operation and Maintenance Facility at 1850 Broadway St. Vallejo will remain closed to the public.

All actions taken by the agency are done with the health and safety of SolTrans riders, drivers, mechanics and employees in mind. When riding we continue to ask riders to:

• Board at the center doors. Those who need assistance from the ramp may board at the front doors, please signal the driver.
• when possible use Token Transit for easy visual fare adherence boarding, we are recommending to not use cash whenever possible.
• SolTrans staff continues to take extra measures to deep clean buses and Transit Centers Daily.

Due to the extension of Solano County school closures until April 10, 2020, School Tripper Routes 12, 15, 17 and 38 will not operate.

For up-to-the-minute service alerts and schedules visit SolTrans.org, please check our site prior to traveling.

Please continue to refer to Solano County Public Health for updated information pertaining to the virus. We will continue to provide updates as information is made available to us. Thank you for your patience and your partnership. 

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Updated (March 15, 2020 2:00 PM)

We are continuing to monitor messages about COVID-19, analyze riders needs and staffing levels. We are taking the early part of this week to make decisions on whether a change in the level of our service is needed.

Our highest priority is keeping our riders and operators safe. In order to provide the safest service we can, the following will be implemented on Monday, March 16, 2020:

• SolTrans will operate as much service as possible. Soltrans’ School Trippers will not operate.
• Riders should board at the center doors. Those who need assistance from the ramp may board at the front doors, please signal the driver.
• When possible please utilize Token Transit for easy visual fare adherence boarding, we are recommending to not use cash whenever possible.
• Paratransit service is still fully operational, please follow protocol to schedule paratransit trips.

Please use our homepage to monitor rider alerts for up-to-the-minute information on missed service. We are doing our best to provide as much service as possible during this time. We ask for your patience and understanding as our operators and staff are members of the community, too and are being impacted by the school closures and need for social distancing.

We continue to take extra measures to deep clean buses and transit centers daily. We are working to have access to hand sanitizer at all of transit centers for staff and riders. Please remember these best practices:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cough into a tissue or your elbow.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.

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Official SolTrans Statement (Released March 13, 2020 4:20 PM)

SolTrans continues to closely monitor the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) by staying in contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Solano Public Health Department.

We understand how news of the virus is causing stress and anxiety, especially as it relates to travel and public spaces. We cannot stress enough how important it is for individuals to take precautions and responsibility for their own well-being to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Any public space creates an opportunity for exposure to respiratory viruses, which is why it’s important to review the best way to prevent infection. Of course, avoiding exposure is the primary way. However, there remains no specific risk to transit or paratransit riders regarding Coronavirus. 

With that said, the Health Department and CDC recommend these precautions to protect against Coronavirus, and we urge you to follow them:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cough into a tissue or your elbow.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.

Please keep in mind that surfaces where people touch – bars or doors – should not be considered sanitized. Surfaces are no longer to be considered clean once someone touches it, coughs or sneezes nearby. 

What is SolTrans doing to Prevent Spread of COVID-19?

SolTrans staff are taking extra measures to deep clean buses and transit centers daily. We are working to have access to hand sanitizer on all buses and transit centers for personal use.

We will continue to analyze ridership data to identify trends and will be making decisions on whether a change in the level of service is warranted and to what degree. This will be a large area of focus for SolTrans going forward to ensure we are responding appropriately to match our resources with the most effective level of service. 

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Related News:

SolTrans Closely Monitoring COVID-19

School Service During Closures

Reduced Service

Rear Door Boarding and No Fare Collection