BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Erie County Legislature and the NFTA reached an agreement which will increase protections for riders on metro buses.
The agreement follows a meeting in which Erie County Legislature Chair April Baskin expressed concerns about rider safety with representatives from the NFTA.
The NFTA and the Erie County Legislature agreed on the following additional protections
- Limit each bus to under 15 passengers
- Install signage on the interior to remind passengers about physical distancing guidelines and to encourage them to leave one seat between passengers
- Implement additional bus service on the 19 Bailey route, which is a route that sees a significant amount of riders.
“I’m thankful for the protections provided for drivers,” said Baskin. “Their safety and health is crucial to a functional transportation system during this worldwide heath crisis. We also have to take similar measures for the riders who rely on public transportation as a means to survive. Their patronage to the NFTA system prior to the COVID-19 free fare policy and their health is equally a priority.”
The NFTA is also looking into potentially installing plastic screens between seats and hand sanitizer stations near passenger load areas.
