Transit-rail agencies implement crew, rider distancing measures

Rail News Home Security 4/3/2020 Rail News: Security
Metra closed the cab car on all trains to passengers to protect train crews from potential exposure to COVID-19.Photo – CDC

Metra in Chicago yesterday announced it has closed the cab car on all trains to passengers to protect its train crews from potential exposure to COVID-19.

Last week, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) also installed plexiglass enclosures for booth attendants at Tower City Station to ensure distancing between riders and staff. Next week, GCRTA next will begin using ultra violet technology (UV-C) to enhance its disinfectant procedures at stations and on trains.

UV-C serves as an alternative to chemical disinfectant, which is not well tolerated by dogs in the transit police K-9 unit nor safe on sensitive electronic equipment. It is also more lightweight and easily transported by cleaning staff, GCRTA officials said in a press release.

The cleaning technology will be used on trains that are removed from service following an incident that requires immediate disinfection. 

Meanwhile, the Alamont Corridor Express in California on April 6 will suspend two additional commuter-rail trains due to a 90 percent drop in ridership that has occurred during the pandemic.