APTA assists transit agencies with coronavirus prep plans

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) on March 5 will host an educational webinar for transit agencies on the industry's response to the outbreak of COVID-19, known as the coronavirus.

The webinar, which will be held at 3 p.m. Eastern Time, will provide an overview of the industry's response to the coronavirus as well as how agencies have dealt with the outbreak of other infectious disease, according to a notice on APTA's website.

Transit agency executives, federal leaders and infectious disease specialists will discuss best practices for how to prepare a transit agency for a potential spread of the virus.

In addition, APTA will review its standard on developing a contagious virus response plan, and discuss Transportation Research Board publications on disease planning and response.

APTA also posted a fact sheet of resources for public transit agencies to use to minimize the risk of the virus being spread to employees, riders and the general public.

APTA encourages agencies to:
• update their emergency preparedness plan to include pandemic preparedness and response plans. Review the plan and conduct employee training;
• update standard operating procedures for cleaning and disinfecting rail cars, buses, stations and facilities;
• educate employees about proper hand hygiene, cough etiquette and social distancing techniques;
• develop work practices and controls to provide additional protection to employees and customers, such as the proper selection, use and disposal of personal protective equipment;
• coordinate with local government agencies on their emergency preparedness plans; and
• provide information to customers and through media platforms on the steps being taken to minimize the risk to riders.