Transit Emergency Webinar ScheduleUpdated June 24, 2020

Upcoming:

APTA Webinar:Cybersecurity- The Current Environment Under Covid-19June 25, 2020 3:00 PMStaff Coverage: Ashley

APTA Webinar:Cleaning and Disinfecting Transit Vehicles and Facilities: APTA’s ResearchJune 29, 2020 3:00 PMStaff Coverage:

FPTA Webinar:Planning for a Pandemic and Preparing for RecoveryJune 30, 2020 3:00Staff Coverage:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Women in Transportation Society WebinarIndustry Conversation: Pandemic Recovery PrioritiesJune 11, 2020 12:00 PMStaff Coverage:

FPTA WebinarHuman Resources Best Practices in a Covid-19 WorldJune 16, 2020 3:00 PM

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Staff Coverage:

TRB Webinar: Transportation Experiences and Next Steps in the COVID-19 PandemicJune 16, 2020 2:00 PMStaff Coverage: Paul

APTA WebinarRestoring and Reimagining Transit in a Pandemic Transformed World, Part 2June 18, 2020 3:00 PMNTI Webinar:Remote Management: Keeping Teams Connected Through CrisisJune 4, 2020 1:30 PMStaff Coverage:

APTA Webinar:Restoring and Reimagining Transit in a Pandemic Transformed World, Part 1June 4, 2020 3:00 PMStaff Coverage: Dean

Nuria Fernandez- APTA chair (VTA General Manager and CEO

Keeping stepping to keep all safe, drop in ridership, fares etc, enhance cleanliness

Panelist

Paul Wiedefeld- CEO WMATA, (panelist )

Member of APTA mobility and restoration task force update (online tool kits) cleaning, PPE , social and othersLearn

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Items to explore

Position transit for quick action when needed Communicating is the key

Keep transit up and running, WMATA key items

Protect employees Protect passengers, Earn the trust of passengers to come back to ride

3 stages

1st is Stabilization,

Katherine Kellemen-Port Authority (panelist)

Agency has conducting all the normal processes and best practices for mitigation Port authority has flex schedules in the building Currently ,5 operators have tested positive, 1 maintenance person tested positive and he infected 8 other team

members (agency traced the spread) Everyone that is able to work from homes using Agency has TEAMS stand up meetings, frequently to discuss

projects and next steps Ops side- meet with staff frequently with staff- cover staff with admin leave, Management spends time with the union and team members frequently Agency has developed a process to make masks internally for the organization Temperature checks are performed by a temporary employee hired with medical training

Gary Rosenfield-Memphis (panelist)

60% of ridership lost Worked with the union to allow operators to bid on a time to come to work and then they were given their

assignments, had a little push back but overall its very successful Covered employees if they got sick (only 5 cases) all traced back to outside of the agency There has been no tracing that came back to riding the buses

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Make decisions when you need to NOT when you want to, as leaders you have to not let the pressures influence you

Will return to full service, after learning what schools will do CARES act funding will be used for projects that will be able to be rolled immediately Any project that provide employment will be prioritized New service will be put on the streets to keep the image of public transit positive

Matthew Tucker- Commuter Rail in California (panelist)

Multi modal transit- ridership was down 71% Commuter ridership is better because of the clientele that is transported Continue to collect fares Look at demographics and look at if customers want to come back to transit, how to make it attractive Polled the passengers about their ability to and need to return to ride

Chris Borman- HDR designs- healthcare architect(panelist)

How to apply planning on design and mitigation strategies based off of designs such as loads, buildings and tunnels

How to learn from each other to mitigate pandemics, infection control etc. biocontainment, Common ground- COVID is the enemy- highly contagious and how design can help mitigate Droplets and how they are transmitted, how do we design this out, different surface, airs and how things are

transmitted, maybe the question should be how to change the transit areas to clean zones, what if they are cleaner if they don’t transmit, what is everyone is sanitized without any thought

What is the transit hub become a clean zone or healthier place? Something to purify the air periodically What type of material is used for the buildings, rails, seats etc. and how that material can help to mitigate the

spread of COVID Design a passage way a person go through to sanitize just like a scanner at the airports Robotics to clean floors and other areas

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QUESTIONS:

1. How are you taking into account with what you are doing if other areas are not doing the same? a. Memphis has a COVID task force for the community to address this issueb. Make transit more desirable , make it sexy with better standards, don’t go back to where we werec. “Never let a good crisis go to waste”

2. Restoring Public confidence and how do we do it?a. Marketing campaign b. Vehicle cleanliness, A dash board that shows you how clean an area isc. Be direct and honest and get out in front of issues, d. transparencye. Customer want to see us cleaning and sanitizing f. CDC guidelines , keep the message consistent, quote them as the experts

3. Social Distances- how do you see this as something that supports the servicesa. Similarly, to the airline industry, focus on the reality of the service that we can provide Cant maintain 6ft 4. Recommendation for Masks?

a. Gov. said passenger should, we tell you that you have to have a mask, you have to have mask to go into any business

National Aging and Disability Transportation Center Webinar:The Impact of COVID-19 on Transportation Services for Older Adults and People with Disabilities: A Conversation with Section 5310 ProgramsMay 27, 2020

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Staff Coverage: StephanieNotes: Area Agency on Aging – Sonoma California.

Part of San Francisco Bay Area. 27% 60 or older. More than 50% are 60-69, 27% have disabilities, serve about 33% of those individuals.

Funded by 5310 and CA Department of Aging. The Agency does not operate vehicles, but contracts for volunteer driver programs. Shuttles take people from rural to urban for shopping, community clinics, doctors, etc.

Impact of COVID 19 on program are many. Still closed. CA is different than other states – phase 2 of opening. Most programs have transitioned to delivery service as opposed to transportation, including meals on wheels and food bank deliveries. Dialysis and cancer treatments still being provided transportation. Most volunteer drivers are seniors, requiring the need for new volunteers, as their pre-COVID volunteers are sheltering in place and may not want to return. Most isolated seniors are being called to check on as opposed to driving them around. Using ZOOM, issues too remote so this does not work.

Starting to open up, will be screening drivers and riders, including temperature screening, added cleaning protocols, space and PPE. Can use vouchers to use Uber.

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Are you ready? 7 different operators – how can we best get everyone ready? Believe they cannot meet required demand, prioritizing medical trips. New protocol for assisting visually impaired. How will they handle COVID positive, how will that work? Want consistency for all the drivers – so they all do the same thing.

Planning ahead – added tasks on staff, increased costs for PPE, increased requests for rides, need to look at volunteer recruitment and agency coordination. Will open first week in June, looking at budget cuts. 5310 grant cycle transitioning, 25% of funding. Need to replace lost revenue. Will we reduce services while preparing for fire season and power shut-offs, while continuing to evaluate how it impacts services?

New Normal = emergency preparedness. Plan for it to stay. Past issues have helped as they already have PPE. Recommend to talk to clients to make sure emergency contacts are updated with kits for cleaning and disinfecting. Been through it before and will rise above.

Laura Bristow, Action in Maturity, Baltimore, MDMembers pay $15/year for pre-determined trips. Individual rides to doctors, grocery shuttles and monthly trips to casino, restaurants, zoos, etc. Several partners with Catholic charities. Agencies super connected. Transporting a lot of meal deliveries. With the reduction in fixed route service, partnering with other organizations to drive about 50 employees throughout the day to and from work. Only 5-6 at a time for social distancing, drivers have mask, gloves, cleaning supplies. Vehicles are cleaned after each group of riders. Riders need masks. Worried about seniors and their health. Believe that there will be trepidation to go out when allowed. Casinos are working on new normal.

Nancy Welch, Volunteer Assisted Transportation, Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee, Knoxville, TNMedical appointments and assisted transportation. Marked them as non-essential. Elderly and aging need groceries. Working with volunteers. Shopping for individuals, getting money and lists and make sure they get to doctors’ appointment. As of May 5, 2020, started opening up – as of today taking non-essential appointments. Using mini vans and sedans. Using vans with riders in back seat and riders need masks. No testing but asking screening questions. Do not know anyone who has it. Volunteers are worried about coming back as drivers. Need more drivers. Hopefully will come back by mid-June. In phase 2. Senior centers closed. Normally not a transit provider, traditionally sitting with individuals but now do their shopping.

Q&A How do you handle a customer who does not want chemical cleaners in vehicles? Have not had any complaints with that. You can smell cleaning solutions with bleach – but we are doing it to protect everyone. If they do not like it, maybe suggest a different transportation option. When people call for a ride you can ask if they have an issue with cleaning projects.

14 passenger bus – not open – what are recommendations for reopening public transit? 3 providers, one person per vehicle, essential travel. Other one limiting 4 to a transit bus and requiring masks. Promote social distancing, masks, etc. Baltimore – essential transit only.

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Thermometers – how are they being used; are they being used by drivers or pre-boarding by service providers? One in California, drivers need to come to senior center where drivers are being screened. Nursing home is testing and screening everyone, but not with riders. Other one is doing no screening. Employees are not being screened either.

Can you talk about how many passengers per vehicle or spacing of passenger to maintain social distancing? One has 6’ per passenger, each operator needs to decide how best to accommodate that. Depends on size of vehicle. What if they need a care giver, then you need to take them into account? Another one has just begun taking senior center residents to food shopping. Limit number of riders on each vehicle.

Can you explain “no touch” policy that some agencies have, is that possible for sight impaired? CA – regional mobility management group that meets, one provider has addressed the needs for visually impaired. They will not be assisting, if someone needs hand on assistance, they need to find another provider of transportation. If an agency has shields and gloves, they are providing assistance.

How do you coordinate employee pick up? They are grouped by manual schedules, group together by start time and pick up location. Hoping that people would go to bus stops, which has not worked out, very labor intensive. Many people have rotating shifts. Want to make sure we limit number of people per vehicle.

Are your vehicles purchased with 5310 funding – have you verified that you can transport workers in lieu of seniors? Did discuss with MTA contact – no problem – temporary. We are also providing trips for seniors and persons with disabilities. Maryland and Baltimore will be back to normal in 30 days.

How do you handle the money piece when shopping for others? Will take food stamps, debit cards, tell them to be specific with quantities. We screen volunteers so we are reassured that clients can be trusted.

Who do you take to grocery trips during COVID? Try to get a list in advance so we know how many people need rides, first come, first serve.

Do drivers consider masks distractions? No

Does anyone have documentation on what is appropriate PPE? One is providing N95 appropriate masks. If they need as mask, we will give them a medical mask. Going by what CDC is recommending.

How rural areas are being served? We are now delivering restaurant meals to those that are seniors and disabled. Using emergency COVID funding. Pilot program for one county only.

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Have there been changes in way drivers are providing assistance? Either hands on or mechanical. We are providing gloves and masks and with the one on one we are asking everyone to use hand sanitizer when they need to touch someone. Not letting people sit in waiting rooms for medical appointments. Change gloves.

Can you refuse service to those that will not wear a mask? Have not experienced that. No one has had a problem.

There are organic cleaners, with less chemicals for use.

Why do folks want to go bus stop and how close to pick up time? We are picking them up from homes, don’t know why bus stop suggestion did not work.

How do you seat clients on mini vans? How do you social distancing on vehicle? Every other seat, staggered on each side. No one directly behind anyone. In mini vans, putting them in back, only one person per trip. No one will sit behind driver.

How do you recruit more volunteers? Most employers had people that were laid off, they volunteered, and those with local food banks for food deliveries.

If any of the presenters have transitioned from transportation to delivery service, are there plans to continue deliveries once transportation is opened? Clients are used to delivery. Should not have need to continue as others will provide deliveries. Some can’t get out so they may need deliveries to be continued. May have to work with other social service providers. Senior centers are providing meals.

Have any of your organizations had funding issues? CARES Act provided funding for 5307 and 5311 but not 5310. As far as funding, our 5310 was already being reduced. We are already considering how to reduce costs with funding cuts. May have to do more with less. Applied for PPE and received it. Receiving buckets of money from other sources.

CDC WebinarHelping communities plan for, respond to, and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Workplaces and Mass TransitMay 21, 2020 4:00 PMStaff Coverage: PaulNotes:

Situational update

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Dr. Margret Kitt- Situational update, provided statistics and explained their role and what CDC does and how, resources etc… wash hands, use alcohol sanitizer at least 60 percent, wear face covering when you cannot social distance, don’t touch mouth with hands, etc… practice social distancing in community settings

Dr. Monica Adams- Workplace practices, stay informed and connected to local health officials and recognize vulnerable workers or family members, employer should take care to limit employees exposure to the virus, establish and communicate with health care ,preventing, maintaining business operations and maintaining a healthy work environment, employers can do daily health checks, temperature screening, encourage employees to stay home if they or someone in their household is having symptoms of COVID-19. Employers can designate one staff person for all COVID-19 related concerns with employees. Consider implementing flexible sick time policies, modify work rule to maintain social distancing, discourage the carrying of items not sanitized, modify workplace layouts, add barriers, and improve engineering controls on HVAC systems and increasing outdoor air circulation inside the building, place signage to encourage washing hands, be aware of local, state and federal information. Review 2 CDC questions about re-opening and move to the next step if applicable, utilize the CDC decision tool to evaluate

Dr. John Omura – Review CDC decision tools and resources for mass transit. Discussed the decision tree and explained how to use the step by step process, measure and monitor employees, modify services in high level of COVID-19 geographic area, coordinate with local, State and Federal if required. Promote healthy hygiene practices, provide employee with PPE, and communicate with the public about the risk and spread, cleaning, disinfecting, practice touchless payments when/if possible, increase outdoor air to the extent possible, service HVAC systems regularly, reducing seat capacity, increase service to maintain social distancing, install sneeze guards, conduct daily health checks, have a plan for dealing with a sick employee, designate a staff person to respond to COVID-19 concerns, adjust service based on community mitigation level changes

Dr. Jennifer Murphy

Q and A

How do I protect employees at higher risk?

Have conversation with employees and identify why they are, use strategies to mitigate the spread will help protect all employees, have sick employees stay home, assign higher risk employees task that will allow them to social distance, should not require a note from a healthcare worker to help not burden the healthcare systems.

What if employee has respiratory illness? , encourage to stay home

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When you should a confirmed case return to work? Until the meet the criteria to not self-isolate, employers should not require doctors notes or negative test results , 3 conditions, employee has no fever for 3 full days or 72 hours, respiratory symptoms have improved, employees have no fever and have received two negative test in a row, two options but need to review the CDC guidance for the criteria.

How to clean after a COVID-19 case has been confirmed?

Recommend isolate the areas were the infected person was, increase outside airflow wait 24 hours before going in to disinfecting, and clean all areas that the infected person may have utilities, use products that are recommended for the type of surface there are different type of sanitizer for different surfaces

How to conduct health checks and temp checks?

First developing a procedure for daily testing, have employees testing positive to stay home, anyone in close contact with someone who has tested positive to stay home.

Temp check screener should maintain social distancing tester should keep their face away from the person being screened, wash hands after each screening, use clean pair of gloves for each employee, if using contact thermometer and recommend using non-contact thermometers

How do you keep employees that contact customers safe?

Create additional space in between passengers and employees, wear face coverings when you cannot social distancing, one a day cleaning of areas that are touched by multiple people, schedule hand washing breaks and use hands sanitizer with 60% alcohol.

Face coverings in the workplace settings, cloth face coverings can help limit exposure but are not substitutes for surgical mask, follow internal policy and procedures or establish these for using

PPE. Follow hierarchy for engineering and administrative controls as a first measure to limit exposure.

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What actions should transit take as they restore service?

Use CDC decision tool resource guide, Whitehouse opening America Document, review CDC transit mitigation resources

Recommended PPE for transit ops staff, follow approach for hierarchy of controls, implement Engineering controls, (i.e. barriers, reduce seating capacity) Admin controls, using rear doors, markings on the floors or signage, etc… Review OSHA guidelines on use of PPE. Utilize gloves when/if touching repeatedly

What changes should be made to dispatchers, break rooms, etc…?

Close communal use spaces, staggering their use and introduce disinfecting in between, encourage face coverings if social distancing cannot be maintained but follow the CDC guidelines for wearing, as some may not be able to tolerate due to underlying respiratory issues

What spacing guidelines be practiced?

Transit administrators can create distance by limiting the max occupancy, increasing service on high volume routes, provide signage, guides and visual ques that will help get the message out about distancing, use rear doors

Should HVAC be running in the transit vehicle?

Better to bring in outside air to the extent that is possible

How frequent should transit vehicles and stations be disinfected?

High touch areas should be at least daily but maybe more for high volume use. Use touchless payment, touchless doors, and limit touching payment methods, clean all hard surfaces, avoid sharing work related items.

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What about using UV lighting for disinfecting?

Right now CDC recommends using the disinfecting products that the CDC and EPA has approved

APTA Webinar:Workforce Challenges During and Post COVID-19May 21, 2020 3:00 PMStaff Coverage: PaulNotes:

APTA webinar Workface challenges 5/22/2020 3 pm

How do agency communicate safety and security practices to employees? Tawnya Moore- McGee WMATA, created COVOD -19 task force, began early, disseminated information to internal

and external resources, including employee wellness, have podcast and town halls with leadership participating, video conferencing with all employees. Employee logged on via Face Book and other means. Provide supervisors with information to identify symptoms, FAQ, use of websites for updates, and Intranet.Joanne Peterson LA Metro

How do you get the messages out to the front line employees?

Communication with workers, up front, communicate to reduce stress and maintain consistency. Keep the workforce up to date with what the agency knows as they know. GM does manager/ supervisor meetings every 3 weeks. Make sure that supervisors and managers 4 C’s communicate correct, confidential

Unique challenges?

Giesha Ester CTA

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Resolve issues you can to keep morale elevated, identify their needs whether PPE or otherwise, engage with employees, develop methods to keep remote workers engaged, “winning Wednesdays” conf calls

Michael Allegra Stadler USA, indicated “blow the horn” for transit workers is very important and improves morale. “Never let a good crisis go to waste” this is an opportunity to turn this pandemic into a positive by allowing employees to be engaged and help make a difference.

How are agencies dealing with front line employees being vulnerable?

Sue Dreier Pierce Transit

Getting messages out to the public about wearing a mask to support operators and employees, big social media campaign, utilizing placards and other mechanisms to get the message out

Joan, LA Metro, GM has empowered the bus drivers and employees and has indicated that he will back up the workers so long as they are not compromising the customer experience. This goes a long way and builds morale

How do we get employees and stakeholders to understand the new challenges, budgeting, delivery etc

Sue Dreier Pierce Transit

Utilize zoom meetings, Review and explain the budget process, shortfalls due to tax revenues, etc… provide facts, weekly updates using newsletters, messages, these projections and dissemination of information help keep morale boosted. Provide employees with projections and budget facts. Sequentially laying out budget info.

Supply Chain Challenges

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Mike Allegra Stadler USA, State of Utah is in good shape currently, Mike recognized the supply chain delivery vendors, Stadler handled the pandemic well, got on the issue early and engaged employees and allowed the employees to take part in the work rules during this time. This has proven to be successful.

How is optimal training happening?

Geisha Ester CTA, create smaller classes to maintain social distancing, utilize Zoom meetings for guest speakers, increase sanitization, practice good social distancing in house first and check each other if this is an issue, provide and recommend the use of PPE, re schedule training that can wait, some up close training is suspended like first aide

Uber Webinar:The Path Forward for Transit and TNCs After the PandemicMay 14, 2020 2:00 PMStaff Coverage: Lisa and PaulNotes:DART- ridership is down, doing the same things most systems are, rear boarding, reduced service, reduced ridership, etc. Ridership decreases weren’t evenly spread.

PSTA- ridership down, March 19 became fare free, rear door boarding, all riders and drivers should wear masks, essential trips only. Capacity is limited to 10 riders at a time, hours adjusted, as well. They started an “essential workers” program that they are working on locally with Uber, local taxi, and local w/c provider to help them get to work, due to some routes being reduced or cut altogether. Need the bus there earlier/later and this helps meet the demand.

LAFTA- 5-tiered service plan, expanded their service plan with Uber. When new regulations are passed, they didn’t get much notice of this. Had to scramble for masks for employees and created signage for buses about masks must be worn. Community came together. Posted on next door for masks, and they got 2,000 very quickly.

IndyGo- Suspended fare collection and changed service, bus service will start normal times this week. About 9 weeks of reduced service. Down 60-90% of ridership. Installed barriers, increased cleaning, etc. Got the Uber program running in 8 days.

FTA- 30% of the CARES Act have been encumbered to be distributed across the country. Working closely with transit systems to free up resources. Allowing flexibility of funds. Large urban areas can be used for operational expenses (cleaning), and are re-programming things to increase response to operational concerns.

LAFTA- Safety is a priority, but, we want options for individuals. When we re-designed the service plan, we made sure the routes service hospitals, grocery stores, etc. are not being impacted. Thanked Uber for helping the service cover the whole service area.

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DART- They were already looking at mobility strategies in areas that are less dense and are not easy to serve with fixed route. When COVID hit, operator availability was limited due to sick leave, etc. They wanted re-balance things to try to spread out passengers. Had to suspend a handful of routes. They expanded their partnership with Uber to quickly serve those areas, set up a voucher program that was job specific. They were also available to general public to help them get to a system that is running. Helped to shift things so they could response quickly.

IndyGo- Given the effectiveness of cloud software, all of those things were taken for granted in the past, but, this helped the transition to be smooth. Remote workers could be used at all different locations. This was integral to the program. Micromobility was easier with the cloud computing. Different to not interact with customers face-to-face, but, to be able to take the business offsite was very helpful. Transit may need to think about how to do business in the future.

PSTA- How do you see this model revolving? They have been working with Uber since 2016, during this challenging time, they believe they will partner better. This can be more nimble, when needed. For Fixed Route, there is only so much they can do to make and implement changes. Did the best they could in March, but, they needed to think very quickly and they were contacted by some employers that needed to get employees to job to help make masks, ventilators, etc. Goal is to get riders where they need to go, and to be safe for riders and drivers. This includes their Essential Riders program. Good opportunity to educate riders on their other on demand mobility services. Been great to have partnerships to fall back on.

FTA- What is FTA’s vision for this type of service? He sees that this is quickly evolving, things start up quickly and then can go out of business just as quickly. Feels everyone needs to think ahead in both the public and private sector. Everyone should be evolving. In 2016, the SandBox

Grant started to help transit systems to use these type of services. It’s always better to have choices. During this time with COVID-19, we are glad that our partners are committed to thinking differently and doing things different, like delivering groceries. Thinks this will accelerate opportunities. The way things look and behave may be different, but, public transportation should still be there, and in a better position to expand options.

IndyGo- They share the vision of FTA. They added “mobility” in their vision, it’s not just transit. They heard the calls to innovate. The direction that they are taking is that they want to be the mobility integrator in the region. Lessons learned thus far can be “pretty raw”, none of the challenges are new, they really aren’t the result of the pandemic, but, it has brought it to the surface. Retooled a new service to be a delivery service for groceries and prescriptions. Factories get placed out where service is not located, it is a burden to the system and the community.

How a case made that these solutions are cost effective? IndyGo- because they started it during the pandemic, with funding from the government so budget wasn’t an issue, but they realized that the initial idea (a subscription service) might not have been the best, may look to first mile-last mile. DART- In some areas, demand might not be that high in areas due to car availability, land-use, etc. To the extent that you still want to serve the need in that area, they felt the first mile/last mile was very beneficial. Less costs to them overall. PSTA- they were able to show how much money they saved using on demand services as compared to fixed route services overnight.

PSTA- the TD Late Shift riders have to qualify for the service. They have to document they have a job that is at night to prove the hours and where they work. They then can choose a provider of choice.

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Farebox recovery- Before partnering with Uber, have farebox recovery changed? LAFTA – they do a subsidy for the riders, but, they didn’t evaluate farebox, they looked at cost per trip. For the same amount or less, they are caring more people for less.

DART/PSTA- Communication can be challenging, the transit system works directly with the employer, but, the service is for the employee. They are trying to learn to communicate better with employees.

IndyGo- It’s good to survey the essential workers. PSTA- did this, asked if they are using the bus and is it working for you? Analyzing survey results now. Might survey again to see if any efforts are working. IndyGo- Uber is a Pilot program, they are going to call them to find out their experience and what can be better. FTA- the way they evaluate the SandBox program, the trip leads to something. Must capture the economic benefit and what would have happened if they didn’t get to that trip?

What are some of the barriers that will affect transit post-Covid and how to we survive? IndyGo- sometimes the benefits of transit are only known by a few. Needs to be a shared benefit. Gaps/cracks are now showing because of Covid. Need to be resilient. Recovery must be shared.

CUTR Webinars:Surviving COVID-19 Again and Again and Florida Transit Agencies Innovative Mitigation StrategiesMay 7 and May 8, 2020Recordings: https://ftson.org/two-webinar-series-emergency-preparedness-mitigation-and-response-covid-19-and-other-pandemics/

NTI Webinar:Crisis Communication on a Card: The Essential of an Effective PlanApril 30, 2020 2:00 PMStaff Assigned: DeanNotes:

Crisis Communication on a Card: The Essentials of an Effective PlanPresenter: Morgan Lyons 3 Key components of the Crisis Communication webinar

Why a Card on crisis communication, what are the goals of the crisis:

Get thru the crisis

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Containment of reputational damage Position yourself to tell your best story

Apply the card to COVID -19:

Use language on the card that will resonate with the audience you are trying to reach Be open to subject matter experts that can give you the best advice

Making the Card work for You:

Think outside of the box Customization

Questions asked from the audience:

Should cards be developed for each type of crisis?That depends on your organizational need

What are some best practices for crisis management to address the needs of people who don’t speak English very well?Go back to what you do every day and enhance that process (boilerplate messages etc.)

When revamping crisis communication cards, what is the best mechanism?Customize everything to your organization

How do you reach the older population to share information?Regular media outlets like TV and radio works best for most of the older population

APTA Webinar:Effective Methods to Clean and Disinfect Transit VehiclesApril 30, 2020 1:00 PMStaff Assigned: StephenNotes:

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MTA currently has 1,800 employees effected by Covid-19, 96 deaths

Agency has been doing disinfecting every 72 hours, moving to every 24 hours based on directive from Governor

Performs a 30 day deep clean (contracted service). It is a 3 step process Clean, disinfect, apply microbial barrier. The microbial shield is claimed to last 30-90 days. Products being used have not been validated, they are conducting testing at this time.

They believe customer confidence is critical.

They are looking at “metadata” to provide real time rider info to allow people to choose safer options.

They are investigating UV Light decontamination systems

They are looking at disinfecting systems for HVAC system, nothing in use at this time.

APTA Webinar:Managing Transit Funding and Financing During the PandemicMay 7, 2020 3:00 PM

APTA Webinar:Workforce Challenges During and Post COVID-19May 21, 2020 3:00 PM

APTA Webinar:Restoring and Reimagining Transit in a Pandemic Transformed WorldJune 4, 2020 3:00 PM

APTA Webinar:

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New APTA COVID-19 Report: Public Transportation Safeguarding Riders and EmployeesApril 23, 2020 2:30 PM

Staff Assigned: Paul

Notes:

The presentation began with an overview of the APTAP Resource Guide This was followed by a doctor with the Johns Hopkins Center and she provided some statistics and tips for limiting exposure, these included: the need to

utilize visuals on transit vehicles and at terminals, using PPE, she provided information relating to limiting the exposure as well as some statistical information.

The balance of the webinar was presentations by several larger transit agencies across the US highlighting the strategies they used to limit exposure and maintain the PPE for employees. I have attached the pertinent slides that provided the most interesting information.

One agency indicated that used the guide and developed a sheet to chart compliance with the individual elements (in attached slide) Most reported severe ridership loss MBTA actually converted a board room to a PPE re-supply room (slide attached) Vince from Minneapolis indicated that his agency immediately began utilize the NIMS process and they are documenting everything they are doing. Developed a sheet to make certain that his agency is meeting many of the tips provided in the APTA resource guide Reduced service by 60% Installed agency made barriers using spare grab bar material Limiting 40’ bus capacity to 10 passengers and 15 for articulator buses Utilizing spare buses from reduced service to plug routes with heavy ridership to maintain social distancing on all buses

Jeff Gonneville from MBTA Boston

Loved the APTA resource guide and indicated it’s a one stop shop for his agency MBTA created cross departmental pandemic response team this group has a chair and co-chair and reports up the chain and collaborates with the 26

unions in place at MBTA. Created a daily crisis dashboard including ridership, status of available PPE as well as reports on any positive COVID-19 employees Utilizing a board room as a temporary assembly areas to package mask as well as other PPE for employees. Created separation of employees by modifying shifts and spreading employees out. Identifying summer operator bids and forecasting budgets to include new cost associated with the pandemic Collaboration with the ATU is ongoing and is positive.

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CDC and APTA Webinar:

Keeping Public Transit Workers and Riders Safe

April 16, 2020 1:30 PM:

Staff assigned: Paul and Tony

Notes: Social distancing by at least six feet remains the primary method to avoid COVID-19 contact Transit agencies should implement engineering and administrative controls as the primary mitigation strategy and FIRST line of defense to limit

employee/passenger exposure to COVID-19 PPE is not the first line of defense against limiting exposure, engineering and admin controls are. Examples of engineering controls are: Physical separation, utilizing temporary barriers or physical shields to block droplets, utilizing caution tape to limit

movement that ensures social distancing, Increase circulation of HVAC systems if possible in buildings and on transit vehicles, introduce outside air when possible to create a dilution of air affect, systems to keep employees separated while coming to, at and when leaving work, as well as other mitigations that will not allow employees to come in contact with the virus.

Examples of administrative controls are: changing schedules for workers to encourage social distancing, limiting the number of employees that can assemble in a confined area to maintain social distancing, provide hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes to employees, keep employees separated by six feet while at work, change procedures if need be to maintain social distancing or potential exposure.

There will be more deaths due to COVID-19 HVAC systems can run but effort should be made to introduce outside air if possible. There is no evidence to suggest that sweeping buses increases the risk of spreading the virus, BUT it cannot be completely ruled out as sweeping

accelerates the movement of particles and air. Dr. King suggest damp mopping or HEPA vacs. The primary source of contacting COVID-19 is coming into contact with a person that has the infection. People that are asymptomatic can transmit the disease up to 48 hours before they show signs of infection as they carry it but may not necessarily exhibit

symptoms right away. Temperature screenings for employees can be done and should be done before the person enters the workplace and should include questions about the

persons health condition, for example, has the person been around an infected person? Has the person had a recent fever? Are they exhibiting symptoms like coughing? Screenings can be done while maintaining social distancing by using barriers or asking the person to take his or her temperature while the screener is 6 feet away and wearing PPE.

Transit vehicle surfaces should be clean with soap and water BEFORE disinfecting. See CDC website for solutions that will kill the virus, blends of bleach and water and or alcohol blends. CDC cannot mandate the use of mask for passengers, this is local decision. CDC is indicating face coverings can help, BUT primarily the use of a mask is to

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not transmit the disease in a suspect or infected person to a well person. Agencies should conduct hazard assessments within their work environment to identify vulnerability to the spread of the virus and mitigate accordingly

to limit exposure to people. Remember that engineering and administrative controls are the first line of defense!

Agency mitigation procedures should be flexible to allow for change as the science reveals new information.

FTA Webinar

Transit Stakeholders

April 16, 2020 2:30 PM

Staff assigned: Dean, Paul, and Heather

Notes:1. CARES Act

a. Funding can be used to cover 100% of any funds used to implement CDC recommendations for Transit workers and agenciesb. Local match is not requiredc. Can be used to pay staff/administrative costsd. There are currently more than 200 grants that have been applied for and $219 million in funding has already been awardede. Missouri DOT was the first grant to be awarded

2. Positive Storiesa. In San Francisco, busses are being used to provide WiFi to communities to allow children to do their online school work. Most of these

busses were currently inactive and sitting on lots. b. Jacksonville Transportation Authority is currently using autonomous vehicles to transport COVID-19 tests from the test sites to labsc. Colorado is currently using transportation agencies/services to provide free food delivery servicesd. Dallas is using busses to provide free food delivery services and has partnered with local agencies to transport free lunches to children and

care packages to the elderly.3. Q&A

a. Transit agencies can post information on busses regarding not riding if having been sick or around someone who was sick, but are not required to at this time.

b. All temporary service changes do not have to be reflected in Title VI. Current changes due to COVID-19 are considered temporary. If service changes are made, it is suggested that the methodology for choosing the changes be documented in case needed at a later time.

c. Per FTA Circular 5010.1E, current transit services/vehicles/etc. can be used to assist with non-transit related activities as long as the use does not affect the properties transit capacity.

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d. Under FTA’s Charter Rule, grantees and subgrantees may assist with evacuations or other movement of people in response to an emergency declared by the president, governor or mayor for up to 45 days without notice to FTA. Click here for more info.

e. FAQ’s will be posted and updated frequently on FTA’s website.

Q- What is FTA position on agencies providing PPE? A- The CARES ACT and use available funding to the maximum extent following the CDC guidelines, use rear doors

Q- Can transit agencies post signs that indicate sick people should not use the transit system? A- YES remains a local decision. Q- Do transit agencies have to perform and equity analysis as required in Title VI for changes in service due to the COVID-19 pandemic? A- NO, temporary

service changes due to this emergency do not require an equity analysis, only permanent changes that impact a demographic area require an equity analysis, these also should be well documented and substantiated.

Q- Can transit agencies use FTA funded vehicles for incidental and other use relating to this pandemic? A- YES so long as this use does not interfere with the current reduced service level or needs.

Q- May FTA funded transit buses be used for meal deliveries and or to deliver meals to schools? A- YES up to 45 days for these emergency charters OR submit a request to the emergency docket.

Q- Can/should FTA funds be used to reimburse a contractor for the contract award amount if the contractor is only providing a portion of the service due to service reductions relating to the pandemic? A- Reimbursements should only be for the level of service provided if reduced.

APTA Safety Webinar April 16, 2020 2:15 PMStaff Assigned: Paul

Notes:

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