During the COVID-19 pandemic, Macon-Bibb County Transit Authority CEO Craig Ross continues to closely monitor public transit on the national level, with guidance from APTA (American Public Transit Association).
Continuing our theme of “in an abundance of caution,” and as the Bibb County caseload climbs, beginning on Monday, April 20, the MTA will mandate that every rider wears a face covering* while riding a MTA Fixed Route or Paratransit bus.
*For MTA purposes, a face covering may be a traditional, recognizable mask; a makeshift mask; bandana or piece of fabric — BUT, it must cover the nose & mouth & affix to a rider’s head with ties, elastic, or pins/clips, etc. Simply covering the nose & mouth is not sufficient. The key word is AFFIX. The face covering must shield the nose & mouth AND be secured on a rider’s head before entering a bus.
According to MTA CEO Craig Ross, “We know public transit is a lifeline for many riders and we’re intent on maintaining our bus service. However, due to the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Macon-Bibb, it’s imperative for us to lead — and for riders to assist in protecting themselves, their fellow riders, and our drivers. Like every transit authority and organization coast-to-coast, we’re learning as we go during this unprecedented health crisis. The MTA was one of the first public transit authorities in the nation to institute temperature checks before boarding a bus. And although it was a difficult decision to close the transfer station and public restrooms, it was prudent under these extraordinary circumstances. The same is true now with face coverings.”
Beginning on Monday, April 20 until further notice, NO ONE WILL BE ADMITTED ONTO a MTA BUS WITHOUT a FACE COVERING, as described above, and, temperature checks continue.
We appreciate the media’s assistance in alerting our riders of this sweeping, but necessary change.