May 5, 2020
Cleveland, OH – The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) began installing clear vinyl curtains on all RTA buses and paratransit vehicles this week to provide a protective barrier between operators and customers.
The barriers are made of optically clear, marine grade vinyl and are custom cut to provide a secure enclosure that extends from the back of the bus operator’s seat to the front windshield and from ceiling to floor, between the seat and the fare box. Double-sided Velcro is being used to position the vinyl in place.
“This barrier will serve to protect both operators and customers from any transfer of droplets and offers an added layer of protection for everyone while on board,” said RTA Chief Operating Officer, Floun’say Caver.
“We were able to quickly purchase a high-quality vinyl covering, similar to what is used on boats or on rear windshields on convertibles or jeeps,” Caver said. “Because it is a compressed vinyl, visibility is very good and sun glare is not an issue for the driver.”
The vinyl can easily be rolled up and attached with Velcro straps for easy cleaning of the vehicle.
RTA’s 80 Paratransit vehicles are also being custom fit with the vinyl. All of RTA’s 350 buses, including the HealthLine and vehicles from both the Hayden and Triskett district, are seeing installs this week, with the full fleet expected to be complete by next week.
RTA is adhering to the guidelines specified by the Governor’s office and the CDC and is strongly recommending that customers wear a face mask or covering when on board RTA vehicles. All RTA operators and customer-facing employees have also been required to wear face coverings, and all employees have their temperature checked upon entering their workplace. Additionally, beginning May 12, all RTA employees will be required to wear a face covering while on company premises or while on board any RTA vehicle.
RTA is continuing with its cleaning protocol and is disinfecting all buses, trains, paratransit and Transit Police vehicles every 24 hours, with additional disinfection provided by the Moonbeam3 ultraviolet ray technology.
Operators have been provided with disinfecting wipes to clean high touch surface areas on their own vehicles throughout the day.
RTA offices and all public facilities are also being cleaned every 24 hours with CDC-recommended cleaning products.
Media Contact:
Linda Krecic
216-390-9605 (cell)
