Last update June 2, 2021

BTMO Coronavirus Resources

Welcome to the BTMO’s page for resources and information on how to navigate life during these times.

Stay current on service changes and other coronavirus related updates by visiting go511.org, which updates daily with information on Southern California transit agencies as well as freeway and express lane information.

 

 

Burbank Unified Will Reopen With 100% Distance Learning In August
Burbank Unified Superintendent Matt Hill released a statement on Monday, July 13, confirming that the Burbank Unified School District will reopen with 100% Distance Learning for the first day of school on August 17 and for the foreseeable future.  Learn more here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effective Immediately July 13, 2020:  ALL counties must close indoor operations in these sectors

 

 

Effective immediately July 17, 2020:  Enforcement for certain parking restrictions suspended through SEPTEMBER 7, 2020

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Read more here.

 

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Coronavirus and Transit around the World

The New York Times looked at how transit agencies in the Europe, and Asia were handling the coronavirus pandemic. The results show that no spread of coronavirus was linked to public transit.

Experts attribute the relative safety of transit to face mask requirements, cleaning of vehicles, increasing service, and reduced rush-hour crowding.

 

Is the Subway Risky? It May Be Safer Than You Think (NY Times)

 

 

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Hollywood Burbank Airport reopens Terminal B for passenger services starting July 2

 

 

 

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Quick Links

 

 

Important Transit Reminders

To protect each other from COVID-19:
  • Wear a face covering; SF Streetsblog.
    • Wear a face mask or scarf that covers your mouth and nose. Many transit providers require it (typically exempting children and people with certain medical conditions or disabilities). Even if not required—for your health and safety and for that of those around you—it is recommended.
  • Maintain 6 feet distance from others whenever possible; Citylab.
    • Practice social distancing whenever possible. Choose a seat away from the driver and other passengers (six feet or more is ideal).
  • Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face; LA Times.
  • Stay home if you don’t need to go out
    • Only use transit for essential travel, which includes getting to an essential job or to get food, to care for a relative or friend, or get necessary health care.
 

 

This guide – Supporting Commuters Returning to Worksites During COVID-19 – provides recommended practices for managing different commute modes while continuing to support the health and safety of commuters during COVID-19. It was prepared by a group of Transportation Demand Management (TDM) professionals and ACT members representing employers, service providers, consultants and others focused on improving the commute to work.

As a result of feedback received from ACT and other transportation groups and transit agencies, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued updated guidance for employers to support employees commuting to work, replacing the CDC’s initial guidance recommending employers promote driving alone to work.

 

The new language now states:

For employees who commute to work using public transportation or ride sharing, consider offering the following support:

 

  • If feasible, offer employees incentives to use forms of transportation that minimize close contact with others (e.g., biking, walking, driving or riding by car either alone or with household members).
  • Ask employees to follow the CDC guidance on how to protect yourself when using transportation.
  • Allow employees to shift their hours so they can commute during less busy times.
  • Ask employees to clean their handsas soon as possible after their trip.

 

We appreciate the CDC’s recognition of options beyond driving alone to work, but believe that all commuting modes will be necessary to ensure all employees are able to return to their worksites during the pandemic. ACT encourages all service providers, employers, and commuters to invest in appropriate measures and focus on communication to ensure that transit, shuttles, carpooling, vanpooling, biking, and walking are safe and reliable. ACT will continue to advocate for support of these vital options.  You can also learn more here.

 

Transit agencies continue to adapt to COVID-19, taking steps to protect the safety of staff and riders—including actions such as switching to rear-door only boarding and enhancing cleaning on buses and trains, especially areas of frequent contact.  Read more here.

Most transit agencies have also reduced schedule frequency and changed some routes due to decreased ridership.

Stay current on service changes and other coronavirus related updates by visiting go511.org, which updates daily with information on Southern California transit agencies as well as freeway and express lane information.

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COVID-19 Vanpool Guidance
  • Stay home when you are sick
  • Wear a facemask
  • Keep as much space between yourself and others not part of your household

 

These are some of the guidelines LA County has released for the operation of vanpools. If you operate or manage a vanpool be sure take a look and implement the recommendations for the health and safety of yourself and your passengers.

 

 

 

 

How to Bike Safely 

Getting back on the bike?
More and more people are relying on biking for commuting and exercise.  Some cities are even shutting down streets in support of cyclists and local bike shops are seeing a surge in purchases.  You can learn more here and here.