GREENSBORO, N.C. — UPDATE: Greensboro Transit Agency announced Wednesday afternoon that some bus routes are back up and running. Bus services for routes 21 through 27, 12A and 15 are operating. GTA said operators and staff arrived Wednesday afternoon to make public transit available. GTA said modifications to bus services are still possible in the future.
The temporary halt in service started Wednesday morning after a GTA bus driver tested positive for coronavirus, according to GTA. The Transit Authority said the diagnosis and subsequent temporary operator shortage allowed GTA maintenance crews and professional firms to perform "extensive cleaning and disinfecting of buses and transit facilities."
GTA also said, "fruitful discussions between operators and management contractor Keolis North America assured returning staff would have concerns immediately addressed for the protection of operators and riders."
EARLIER STORY:
Greensboro Transit Authority bus routes were suspended, according to a Wednesday morning tweet from GTA. In the original tweet, GTA said SCAT was also suspended but later corrected its announcement.
WFMY News 2 received phone calls from some viewers who said they were trying to ride the bus Wednesday morning, but couldn't.
The city's bus system tweeted, "Due to recent COVID-19 developments, all GTS and SCAT services are temporarily halted. As the city continues to follow the Governor's stay-at-home order, residents must consider alternative options for necessary travel until further notice. We apologize for the inconvenience."
GTA later tweeted a correction to its original announcement.
"SCAT services are still being provided as normal. GTA fixed-route services are on hold. We apologize for the confusion."
In a news release the transit authority said "a temporary lack of bus operators and supporting staff" was the cause of the suspension.
"Until further notice, GTA is unable to provide fixed-route bus service and SCAT is providing limited service. Residents must consider other options for necessary travel," GTA said.
GTA Operations Management was notified Monday that a fixed-route operator tested positive for the coronavirus. The company said it removed the operator from service and sanitized the vehicles and the workplaces the affected operator used.
GTA said staff and fellow bus operators were told about the operator's condition and the operators expressed concern about not knowing the employee’s identity.
GTA said it is sanitizing and cleaning buses and facilities "to ensure the safest work environment." Keolis North America will work with operations staff to address concerns and to develop a timetable for the return of service.
Read the full statement:
"Greensboro Transit Agency (GTA) is experiencing an immediate stoppage in transit services due to a temporary lack of bus operators and supporting staff. Until further notice, GTA is unable to provide fixed-route bus service and SCAT is providing limited service. Residents must consider other options for necessary travel.
"On Monday, April 27, GTA Operations Management was notified that a fixed-route operator tested positive for the coronavirus. In response, GTA immediately removed the operator from service and conducted a thorough sanitizing of the vehicles and the workplaces that the affected operator frequented. GTA operations staff, including fellow bus operators were informed of the development and GTA’s response to the maximum extent allowed under HIPPA laws. Operators expressed concern with remaining unaware of the affected employee’s identity and responded by choosing not to report for work on April 29. The walkout was repeated by supervisors and supporting staff. With insufficient staffing levels, GTA had no choice but to halt operations.
"While service is on hiatus, GTA is using the opportunity to conduct additional sanitizing and cleaning of GTA buses and facilities to ensure the safest work environment. GTA’s contractor, Keolis North America, will continue to work with operations staff to address concerns raised and develop a timetable for the return of service.
"As GTA continued its mission to provide economical and safe transportation services during the rise of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, the organization along with its contractor Keolis NA has sought to balance the safety of riders and bus operators with the transportation needs of front line heroes and others in our community. GTA was among the first transit systems in the state to institute the rotation and frequent sanitation of buses, rear-door boarding and fare-free services to reduce the chance of any transmission of illness. Bus operators were provided with personal protection equipment for use on duty, and the driver’s area on buses were outfitted with temporary barriers. Rider education through on-board and Depot signage along with social media and on-board sanitizer dispensers provided preventative resources when using public transit and out in the community."