The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) has responded to the recent rise in coronavirus cases by requiring that passengers board through the rear door of all vehicles, beginning Tuesday, January 4, 2022.
This change is being made with the health of all customers and TARTA personnel in mind, according to TARTA CEO Laura Koprowski.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have instituted a number of measures to help keep everyone safe while getting essential workers where they need to go on a daily basis,” Koprowski said. “We have never stopped service due to the coronavirus, but unfortunately circumstances call for steering away from front door boarding as a social distancing measure.
“We ask for the cooperation and understanding of our customers as we navigate the unprecedented challenges posed by this continuing health crisis. We appreciate the efforts TARTA team members have made in adjusting with the changes to keep the area moving during a difficult time.”
TARTA required customers to board through the rear door of vehicles early in the pandemic as one of several safety measures, and had removed the requirement in July of 2021. Other policies TARTA has put in place to help people travel and stay healthy include:
- Remaining fare free through July of 2022
- Requiring masks on buses through March 18 and providing them for free on vehicles to customers who need them
- Enhanced cleaning procedures on all vehicles
- Providing hand sanitizer
- Requiring social distancing in the downtown Transit Hub