Pandemic update: Santa Clara VTA unveils safety plan

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:

• New Jersey Transit yesterday resumed cash fares on board trains. The cash options was temporarily suspended as a precaution against the spread of COVID-19.
• Dallas Area Rapid Transit on July 3 began requiring riders to wear face coverings will on board trains.
• The American Public Transportation Association rescheduled its October 2020 TRANSform Conference & EXPO to March 14-17, 2021, in Anaheim, California.