Pandemic update: Santa Clara VTA unveils safety plan

Rail News Home Security 7/7/2020 Rail News: Security
VTA plans to resume fare collections on Aug. 1.Photo – VTA Facebook

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) last week unveiled a 10-point plan to ensure light-rail riders are confident returning to its system in California. 

The 10-point plan includes:

enhancing daily cleaning efforts on trains and at stations;  requiring face mask while on board trains;  encouraging social distancing on trains; providing all essential VTA workers with protective and safety equipment, as well as priority COVID-19 testing;  adjusting service based on demand;  installing operator partitions to limit rider and operator contact;  increasing contactless payment options; increasing availability of customer service representatives; evaluating new technologies and industry standards; and  collaborating with community groups to engage and inform underserved, underrepresented and unhoused populations.

VTA also plans to resume fare collections on Aug. 1.

Meanwhile, other passenger-rail agencies and advocates are adjusting their practices in response to the pandemic. Following are some latest updates: