BUSRide MAY/JUNE 2020 | Page 19

How to communicate with passengers about the coronavirus As the news focuses more and more on reported cases around the world and within the United States, your customers may call with questions about their trips and how safe they are continuing their plans. You should communicate with customers that your company takes the health and safety of your passengers seriously. That you are reacting to the Coronavirus with the same precautions and policies adopted during the regular fl u season in accordance with CDC recommendations, such as cleaning and sanitizing buses regularly. Remind passengers to avoid close contact with people who are sick, avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed/ unsanitized hands, clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and areas and understand the symptoms of the fl u. If anyone is experiencing any symptoms, they should not take their trip as planned, but instead seek medical attention. Remind them that your company will continue to monitor the areas your buses visit. It is not anyone’s intention to put any of our millions of passengers at risk. How to keep your facilities and buses clean Help protect the public health from diseases like the Coronavirus and infl uenza by following a few personal hygiene best practices and regularly cleaning your operating environment. It is recommended that vehicles be cleaned and sanitized frequently during these periods of heightened transmission, especially when passengers or operators demonstrate symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath. Clean frequently touched objects with soap and water and/or alcohol-based cleaners. These surfaces include: * Handrails for entering and exiting the vehicle * Arm Rests * Seatbelts (if applicable) * Driver Steering Wheel * Dash Area * Head Rests * Windowsills * Interior Luggage Racks/Hand holds * Exterior Luggage Bay Handles * Restroom Door Handles * Restroom Handrails The vehicle should be sprayed when cleaning with Lysol disinfectant spray or similar product. Have Sani-wipes available on the vehicle for operators and passenger’s usage. ABA provided the following additional information about how operators can help themselves and the industry during these challenging times: Have you written to your state and federal legislators yet on the effect that COVID-19 has had on your business? You need to do this today! Download this template to share your story! Are You Making Videos? Doing Something Innovative with Your Business during this Time? Let ABA Know! Many members are posting videos to social media showcasing how COVID-19 is affecting their business. If you have created a video, send it to Melanie at mhinton@buses.org so ABA can help your video go viral! If you are posting stories about your business, make sure you tweet them at your Congressional legislators. You can fi nd their Twitter handles here. http://www.tweetcongress.org/tweeters Are you taking this time to plan innovative strategies for when you are back up and running? Share your story! ABA will be posting best practices from your colleagues during this time to share ideas and get everyone ready for when people can travel again. Contact Melanie at mhinton@buses.org Are You Helping During the Coronavirus Crisis? Are you moving people or supplies during this time? Let ABA know. Email Melanie at mhinton@buses.org BUSRIDE.COM | 19