In light of the coronavirus pandemic, RTA is working hard to maintain strong service and healthy conditions aboard our buses. We recommend checking our website daily for service updates as your travel plans could be affected by temporary route and trip suspensions. Thank you for your patience as we work together for a common goal of resuming normal service. See below to learn more about service adjustments, what we are doing to keep you safe and what you can do to stay healthy.
LET’S WORK TOGETHER TO KEEP TRAVEL SAFE!
RTA is proud to keep our buses rolling for essential travel. Whether you need a ride to work, the supermarket or medical facilities, you can rely on RTA to get you to your destination.
Thank you for your patience as we all work together during this challenging time to maintain a healthy environment aboard our buses. Safety is our number-one priority so please continue to do your part by following these simple steps:
- Travel only for essential purposes.
- Keep at least six feet away from other riders and drivers.
- Be sure your face covering is on before you board and wear it during your entire trip.
- Go touch-free. Buy your next bus pass using the Token Transit app.
- You may verbally request your stop as it approaches instead of pushing the stop request signal.
- Whenever possible, board and exit from the rear doors.
- Practice frequent handwashing and use hand sanitizer.
These precautions apply to every vehicle in our fleet, including local fixed route and CommuterLink buses as well as our Dial-A-Ride vehicles.
FACE MASKS REQUIRED ON ALL BUSES
To help fight the COVID-19 pandemic, RTA asks all customers to wear a face mask that covers their nose and mouth while on board. Be sure your face covering is on before you board and wear it during your entire trip. If you decline to wear one, you will not be able to ride. The masks don’t have to be hospital grade. They can be bandannas, fabric masks or neck gaiters.
REAR BOARDING POLICY AND SOCIAL DISTANCING
To maintain a healthy environment while boarding, RTA is installing safety barriers on all buses to minimize contact between the drivers and customers. In the meantime, customers on buses without the barriers will be asked to board and exit from the rear doors to maximize safety. RTA is also practicing social distancing by limiting the number of customers on large buses to 10 and seven customers on most small buses. Many seats on our buses are off limits to allow customers to spread out.
- Customers must board and exit the bus using the rear door on buses without the safety barriers.
- Customers with mobility devices or those needing boarding assistance can use the front door.
- Fares will continue to be honored.
- Customers riding smaller buses and Dial-A-Ride vehicles can board from the front.
SERVICE REDUCED TO MOSTLY SUNDAY LEVELS
Due to declining ridership triggered by the coronavirus pandemic, RTA is running a slimmed-down version of service on par with its reduced Sunday schedule. The new schedule began Sunday, April 5 and is expected to last until revenue and ridership increase enough to justify service expansion. The reduced service levels have affected most of RTA’s 47 routes. See the details below on which routes are affected with links to schedules. If you have any questions, please contact the Customer Information Center at (951) 565-5002.
HEIGHTENED CLEANLINESS AND KEEPING EVERYONE SAFE
To help contain the spread of the coronavirus and to prioritize the safety of our customers and staff, RTA is taking several precautionary measures. RTA is cleaning and sanitizing buses with electrostatic foggers every day. We’ve also upgraded our on-board ventilation system and filters to give you fresher, cleaner air while you ride. All RTA employees are required to pass a health check before starting work every day. At our facilities, we are doing around-the-clock disinfecting. We are also monitoring situational updates and following guidance from regional, state and national health organizations regarding the coronavirus pandemic.
RTA’S RECEPTION AREA REMAINS CLOSED
RTA’s reception area remains closed until further notice. Customers can contact the following number for assistance:
- For route and schedule information, call our Customer Information Center at (951) 565-5002 weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. or weekends from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- For bus pass information, call (951) 565-5002 or visit the Fares & Passes page on our website. The nearest pass outlet to our Riverside office is Friendly Liquor, 3962 University Avenue, (951) 787-9224. You can also download mobile bus passes on the Token Transit app.
- For lost and found, please call (951) 565-5000.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
CONTACT US
Please don’t hesitate to contact RTA’s Customer Information Center at (951) 565-5002 to learn about affected routes and ways to plan your next trip. You can also follow us on social media, subscribe to iAlert or email us at for latest updates.
ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website, coronavirus is a respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus. RTA is monitoring situational updates and guidance from the Center for Disease Control, the California Department of Health and the County of Riverside to stay on top of the situation.
Where else can I go for additional information on the coronavirus?
- Global – World Health Organization
- Federal – Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA), US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Domestic – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- State – California Department of Health
- Local – Riverside County Public Health