Health at Cherriots: combating coronavirus (COVID-19)

The safety of all Cherriots riders and staff is a top priority for us year-round, and never more so than during the coronavirus pandemic. We answer your frequently asked questions here, and you can catch up on our previous news updates below.

Is the bus service still running?
Yes. Cherriots Local, Cherriots Regional, and Cherriots LIFT are operating 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Our hours expand on Monday, May 11, and you can view the new schedules on the Temporary Service page.

Do I have to wear a mask?
Yes. We're requiring all riders and staff to wear paper or cloth masks over their nose and mouth. You can also use a scarf, bandanna, or handkerchief.

What can I use the bus for?
All Cherriots services are for essential trips only. Drivers, security officers, and supervisors are asking riders if they are going to work or other essential trips like to the grocery store, pharmacy, or a medical appointment, to name a few. If you don't have an essential trip, please stay home and save a seat for someone who really needs it.

Why are you blocking off some of the seats?
To help with physical distancing on the bus, certain seats are blocked on the bus. Please do your best to give six feet of space between you and other riders when possible.

Why didn’t the bus stop for me?
We're only allowing about 7-10 people on each bus. We won't pick up new riders until someone gets off when we fill up. We have extra buses staged to help on routes where buses are getting full. 

Is it true that I have to board through the back doors?
Riders must board through the back doors on Cherriots Local unless they need the ramp at the front door. This is to give drivers more space so they can stay healthy.

How am I supposed to pay if I board through the back doors?
All Cherriots services are currently free.

What are the blue circles on the ground at the transit centers?
We will be strictly enforcing physical distancing at transit centers with markings on the ground. These markings are 6 feet apart to help people lining up know where to wait for the bus.

Why are the buses coming less often to my stop?
Our goal is to reduce the number of canceled trips while still providing service for essential workers in our community. You can view all schedules on the individual Route pages or upcoming changes on the Temporary Service page.

What are you doing to keep buses clean?
Every bus is being fully disinfected nightly. We also have cleaning crews at the transit centers that wipe down the commonly touched spots on each bus in between trips.

 

All Cherriots services are for essential trips only. Drivers are asking riders if they are going to work or other essential trips like to the grocery store. If you don't have an essential trip, please stay home and save a seat for someone who really needs it.

Our drivers are front line heroes serving you, hero front line workers. Remember that we're all in this together; "Your mask protects me and my mask protects you."

UPDATE on April 8:

In an effort to further protect our riders and drivers, everyone must have a paper or cloth mask covering their nose and mouth in order to use all Cherriots services starting this Friday. Scarves, bandannas, or handkerchiefs are also acceptable. 

We are still allowing people on the bus only for essential trips. Essential trips are for going to work and for critical needs like groceries or medication. Everyone else MUST STAY HOME.

To help with social distancing on the bus, certain seats are blocked on the bus. We're only allowing about 7-10 people on each bus. We won't pick up new riders until someone gets off when we fill up. We have extra buses staged to help on routes where buses are getting full. 

Riders must board through the back doors on Cherriots Local unless you need the ramp at the front door. This is to give drivers more space so they can stay healthy. We also have extra cleaning crews now at all transit centers for bus cleanings throughout the day.

Finally, we want to say cheers to our hero drivers and maintenance staff. They are providing an essential service in our community under difficult circumstances. From all of us: "THANK YOU!" 

 

UPDATE on April 6:

The new temporary reduced service begins tomorrow. Schedules have been posted here on the website. Only riders with essential trips will be allowed on the bus at this time. 

We will be strictly enforcing social distancing at transit centers with markings on the ground, as well as on the bus with some seats marked as unavailable. We're also going to limit the number of people on each bus. Riders will continue to board Cherriots Local buses through the back door. 

All of these measures are to keep drivers and riders safe so we can continue to provide this essential service. Thanks for your patience and understanding as we took a break to make sure our drivers are healthy and take these steps to ensure everyone's safety.

 

UPDATE on April 5:

Cherriots Local and Cherriots Regional will resume service with a limited schedule on Tuesday, April 7. The new temporary reduced service will run Monday-Saturday and be about 25% of a regular weekday. Most local routes will operate hourly between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Route 7and 11 will have 30-minute service. Route 8 will be shortened at Skyline @ Kuebler. Routes 6, 12, 14, 16, 18, 23, 26, and 27 will not operate.

Cherriots Regional will operate limited trips between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Regional routes will have different schedules on weekdays vs. Saturdays.

Our goal is to reduce the number of canceled trips while still providing service for essential workers in our community. You can view all schedules on the individual Route Pages or Temporary Service page.

We will be strictly enforcing social distancing at transit centers with markings on the ground, as well as on the bus with some seats marked as unavailable. We're also going to limit the number of people on each bus. Riders will continue to board Cherriots Local buses through the back door.

All of these measures are to keep drivers and riders safe so we can continue to provide this essential service. Thanks for your patience and understanding as we took a break to make sure our drivers are healthy and take these steps to ensure everyone's safety.

 

UPDATE on April 3:

We will begin providing a temporary reduced level of service for essential trips on Tuesday, April 7. Schedules will be published on Sunday so you can plan your trips. 

Essential trips include:

• Medical appointments
• Picking up prescriptions
• Getting to and from work
• Critical grocery shopping

We will be providing more guidance on essential trips and social distancing on the buses to keep all of our riders and staff safe. This is especially important because a seventh driver has tested positive and is now recovering at home. Buses have been deep cleaned but will be cleaned again Monday; buildings will be deep cleaned on Sunday. We're looking forward to helping essential workers get to their jobs as we return to serving our community.

 

UPDATE on March 30 at 5:30 p.m.

Beginning Tuesday, March 31, we will suspend all local and regional service until further notice.

Our paratransit service, Cherriots LIFT, will provide life-sustaining trips only, including appointments for medical care and dialysis treatment.

“In the interest of public health and safety, we are temporarily suspending service,” said General Manager Allan Pollock. “We are committed to serving our Mid-Willamette Valley customers, but only if we can assure the well-being of both our riders and our operators.”

This action is being taken to further support the Governor’s executive order (Executive Order 20-12) requiring social distancing in order to help flatten the curve.

To date, the District has been experiencing significant staffing shortages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, seven staff have self-reported confirmation of coronavirus.

During the suspension, the District’s buses and buildings will be deep cleaned; operations staff will be placed on temporary leave; administrative staff will work remotely, if appropriate; and other employees will work onsite observing social distancing guidelines. Executive leadership will continue to meet daily to develop a plan that will safely restore public transportation service to Marion and Polk counties.

Customer Service will be available to answer questions and provide information by telephone, 503-588-2877, by email info@cherriots.org, and social media. Customer service hours are Monday-Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

UPDATE on March 30 at 6 a.m.

Today is the first day of temporary reduced service. Most local routes are hourly. The new schedules are posted here on the website, Google Maps, and the Transit app. There are still some canceled trips due to our staffing shortage, so make sure to also check the Alerts page before your trip.

This new service is for essential trips only. Everyone has been ordered to #StayHomeSaveLives by the governor, so only people with critical destinations can ride.

If you must ride, we're asking everyone to try their hardest to socially distance themselves 3-6 feet from the other riders. As a reminder, we are deep-cleaning every bus every night and wiping down surfaces during the day, but a surface is only clean until someone touches it.

Our ridership numbers have plummeted, but we are going to continue to operate as long as we can for those who need us to get to work at the hospital, grocery stores, and pharmacies. Thank you to all of the frontline workers: those driving buses, and those in the community. You are heroes!

 

UPDATE on March 28:

Today is the last day of our regularly scheduled service. For a list of canceled trips, please check the Alerts page. You can also contact Customer Service at 503-588-2877 or info@cherriots.org to plan your trip.

Starting Monday morning, we'll offer a temporary reduced service found on the Temporary Reduced Service page. We'll operate hourly service Monday-Friday from approximately 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on most Cherriots Local routes. Routes 7, 9, 11, 14, 19, and 21 will offer 30-minute service. 

Cherriots Local Saturday service will be hourly between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Routes 7, 11 will be operating every 30 minutes. Route 8 will be shortened at Skyline @ Kuebler. Routes 6, 12, 14, 16, 18, 22, 23, 26, and 27 will not operate.

Cherriots Regional will continue to operate on its regular schedule Monday through Saturday. 

We're hoping that this new schedule will create far fewer canceled trips. However, the new temporary reduced service is for essential trips only. Everyone has been ordered to STAY HOME by the governor, so only people with critical destinations can ride. 

On the bus, do your best to distance yourself from other riders 3-6 feet. We are deep-cleaning the buses every night and wiping down high-touch points during the day as we're able. Please don't ride if you're sick, and wash your hands after you exit the bus.

We unfortunately can confirm that a third Cherriots staff member was given a positive test result for COVID-19. This is not a transit operator (driver) position. 

We do miss our riders so much, but we thank you for keeping our community safe by staying home. We're excited to see you again when the time is right.

 

UPDATE on March 27:

We appreciate your patience as we're enduring unprecedented staffing shortages. There are a lot of trips canceled, so please check the Alerts page to plan your day. Customer Service is also available at 503-588-2877 and info@cherriots.org.

Starting Monday, we're going to have a temporary reduced schedule with about 50% of regular weekday service. We're hoping that means far fewer canceled trips. Visit the Temporary Service page to view all of the schedules.

It is so important that EVERYONE STAYS HOME, except for critical trips. Follow the governor's order and do not ride unless you have a critical destination.

If you must ride, do your best to distance yourself from other riders 3-6 feet. We are cleaning the buses multiple times a day now, but do not ride when you're sick and wash your hands after you exit the bus.

Finally, be kind to one another. Take care of your family, neighbors, and community by staying home. We'll be here when you come out again.

 

UPDATE on March 26:

Cherriots is an essential service that community members count on to get to essential jobs and appointments. We are continuing to operate for these critical trips. However, we have two confirmed cases of COVID-19 amongst our drivers. 

Cherriots is aggressively working to combat the spread of this disease. We were deep-cleaning and sanitizing the buses before the drivers' last shifts, and the buses have been cleaned numerous times since then. We are deep-cleaning every bus every night, and wiping down high-touch points throughout the day as we're able.

Beginning March 18, we implemented a rear entry and exit only policy. That puts some distance between riders and drivers. Those with disabilities and seniors who need the ramp at the front door are still welcome to board through the front.

We are urging the public not to use Cherriots if their destination is not essential.

In order to reduce the number of trip cancellations, we are moving to a temporary reduced schedule starting Monday, March 30. Riders can view schedules and plan next week's trips on the Temporary Reduced Schedule page. 

 

UPDATE on March 25:

• We are experiencing significant service disruptions today with a number of canceled trips, so please check the Alerts page before any trips.
• According to the governor's order, everyone MUST STAY HOME except for critical trips. Our service is only for critical trips to medical appointments, essential worksites, and trips for groceries. Riders MUST have a destination to ride the bus.
• If you ride, please practice social distancing of 3-6 feet as much as possible. Don't ride when you're sick and wash your hands after you get off the bus. We're continuing to clean EVERY bus EVERY night and wiping down high-touch areas both on vehicles and in buildings.
• The Customer Service lobby and windows are now closed. Staff members are available by phone at 503-588-2877, by email at info@cherriots.org, and on our social media channels. The KTC lobby is also closed.
• All services are now fare-free. Riders should board Cherriots Local buses through the back door to give space for the drivers. They are the backbone of our system so we need to keep them healthy.
• Be patient and understanding one another as we all deal with these stressful times. Hang in there.

 

UPDATE on March 24:

In light of Governor Brown's #StayHomeSaveLives order yesterday, we have new updates today:

• According to the governor's order, everyone MUST STAY HOME except for critical trips. Our service is only for trips like going to medical appointments, trips to essential worksites, and trips for groceries. Riders MUST have a destination to ride the bus.
• We are still experiencing service disruptions today due to staffing shortages. Visit the Alerts page before every trip to see if you are affected.
• We're ending trips early starting tomorrow night. The last trips will leave the Downtown Transit Center and Keizer Transit Center at 9 p.m. The last trip on Route 11 at Marion County Correctional Facility will leave at 9:13 p.m. 
• We have now postponed the service changes that were scheduled for May. Unfortunately, this means Sunday and holiday service will not start on May 3.
• The Customer Service lobby and windows are now closed. Staff members are available by phone at 503-588-2877, by email at info@cherriots.org, and on our social media channels. The KTC lobby is also closed.
• We're still offering services fare-free. Board Cherriots Local buses through the back door to give space for the drivers. We're doing all we can to keep them well so we can continue to operate.
• The Polk County Flex and Cherriots Shop and Ride services are suspended until further notice.
• We thank you all for the kind words on social media as we work to keep service going for those who absolutely depend on us.

 

UPDATE on March 23:

• We are experiencing service disruptions starting today due to staffing shortages. Things are changing constantly, so visit the Alerts page before your trip for the latest information.
• Please STAY HOME except for critical trips. We can't say it enough. We have to work together to stop the spread of disease, but it only works if everyone does their part.
• The Customer Service lobby and windows are now closed. Staff members are available by phone at 503-588-2877, by email at info@cherriots.org, and on our social media channels. The KTC lobby is also closed.
• The Administrative Offices and Del Webb Operations Center are closed to visitors and non-essential personnel. Staff members are generally available by email.
• We're still offering services fare-free. Board Cherriots Local buses through the back door to give space for the drivers. We're doing all we can to keep them well so we can continue to operate.
• The Polk County Flex and Cherriots Shop and Ride services are suspended until further notice.
• Please use the online tools we provide to stay in-the-know about the changes. Visit this site before every trip.
• We so appreciate your patience as we do everything we can to keep people moving for their critical trips around town.

 

UPDATE on March 20:

• We are currently offering full service on Cherriots Local and Cherriots Regional routes, but we anticipate reductions soon. We will lower frequency on routes before cutting routes altogether. Updates will be posted to the Alerts page.
• We're temporarily suspending the Polk County Flex and Cherriots Shop and Ride services starting Monday, March 23. People have heeded the call to stay home and ridership is very low on these routes. This will allow us to focus our efforts on keeping Cherriots Local, Cherriots Regional, and Cherriots LIFT operating as long as possible.
• Again, PLEASE DO NOT RIDE the bus except for critical trips. We've heard from riders going to doctor's appointments and working at the State Hospital: this is why we're still running. Otherwise, please stay home. (And thank you for your kind words here online for our service.)
• If you ride, please practice social distancing of 3-6 feet as much as possible. Don't ride when you're sick and wash your hands after you get off the bus. We clean buses every night, but a surface is only clean until someone touches it.
• Cherriots has declared a state of emergency so that we can have more flexibility with staff duties and maintain as much service as possible.
• The Administrative Offices at Courthouse Square and the Del Webb Operations Center have been closed to visitors. Staff are working and available by phone and email.
• Keep looking for those silver linings.

 

UPDATE on March 19:

• We expect service to be reduced starting as early as tomorrow due to staffing issues. We will reduce frequency on some routes before cutting routes altogether. Check the Alerts page for the latest updates.
• As strange as it sounds, we're telling you DO NOT ride the bus except for critical trips. We are staying open for people to go to grocery stores, to work at the hospital, or to pick up prescriptions at pharmacies. Unless you have a critical need, please stay home.
• All services are free. We're boarding Cherriots Local buses through the back door unless riders need the ramp or the priority seating area. Cherriots Regional buses have the front seats taped off as well. This is to create space between drivers and riders.
• We're continuing to clean EVERY bus EVERY night and wiping down high-touch areas both on vehicles and in buildings. We're doing everything we can to keep staff healthy so we can continue to operate. Kudos to our maintenance staff for stepping up their efforts significantly.
• Next week's Board Work Session and Board Meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 26 are canceled.
• Take care of yourself and be patient with each other during this stressful time. We're going to make it through to the other side.

 

UPDATE on March 17:

Starting Wednesday, March 18, we will begin fare-free back-door boarding on Cherriots Local as an extra measure to protect drivers. The more drivers that stay well, the more service we can provide to you. This means that unless you need the ramp to board, please enter through the back door. Seniors, people with disabilities, and people with children in strollers can still use the priority seating area in front. Strollers and carts may not block the aisle, as always.

All rides are free starting Wednesday, March 18 on Cherriots Local, Cherriots Regional, Cherriots LIFT, and Cherriots Shop and Ride until further notice. 30-Day Pass and Month Pass holders may contact Customer Service to get a new, un-activated pass for your remaining credit to use when we start collecting fares again. Annual Pass holders can contact Customer Service once fares are being collected again, and their expiration date will be extended.

Customer Service hours are being reduced and the waiting area in the Customer Service lobby is now closed at the Downtown Transit Center. This is to reduce the number of people gathering in an enclosed space, and therefore reducing transmission of coronavirus. Customer Service staff are still on hand to answer questions. Customer Service is now open Monday-Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Keizer Transit Center lobby is now closed as well.

 

UPDATE on March 13:

We expect service disruptions in the coming weeks due to a staffing shortage. We will post updates on service levels here on this page, as well as on Twitter. Service will focus on the Core Network, shown in the map below:

 

UPDATE on March 12:

What is Cherriots doing to mitigate the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Employees: Cherriots has implemented a handwashing campaign and placed instructional fliers in break rooms and restrooms.

Vehicles: All vehicles that have been in use are being sanitized daily. We are sanitizing rails, stanchions, doors, grab handles, and wheel wells. The operator dash panels, steering wheel and other touch points are also being sanitized.

Buildings: Twice daily, all buildings touch points such as door knobs, restrooms, fixtures, telephones, chairs are being sanitized. TB Quat, which is a disinfectant that complies with OSHA's blood borne pathogen standard for disinfecting surfaces soiled with potentially infectious fluids, is now added to mop water to sanitize floors.

Shelters: Shelter benches and touch points are being sanitized when facilities services workers stop to perform maintenance and cleaning.

Riders can help stop the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) by following the CDC's recommendations of washing hands thoroughly and often, not touching your face, and staying home when you're sick.

Read below for the original post on this issue.

 

ORIGINAL POST from March 9:

Cherriots response to the coronavirus (COVID-19)

The Cherriots team is closely watching developments with the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Currently, the number of confirmed cases in Oregon is relatively small. Cherriots is in close contact with local, state, and national health authorities to stay up to date with information. The Oregon Health Authority is leading the response across Oregon, and we are following their direction in terms of precautions and mitigation measures. 

In an effort to respond and help mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Cherriots staff is enhancing some of its procedures to clean our vehicles and facilities. Maintenance staff will disinfect all common touch points on all vehicles and facilities. As an extra level of precaution, each evening our vehicles will be wiped and sprayed with a virus-­killing disinfectant solution. However, it is important to keep in mind that the surfaces where people touch should never be considered completely sanitized. Surfaces are only clean until someone touches it or coughs/sneezes nearby.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends these precautions to protect against coronavirus, and we urge our riders to follow them:

• 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.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands or gloves.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then discard the tissue in the trash.
• Stay home when you are sick.

If the situation changes, we've developed an internal, cross-division work group to address these developments and we’ll work with health authorities to keep riders and employees safe. We will keep riders updated here on this page, and you can sign up to receive our email alerts. Follow us as well on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news. 

Use the links below to find accurate information about this situation and do your part to help stop the spread of this coronavirus:

Twitter
@OHAOregon
@MarionCo_Health
@CDCgov

Facebook
Oregon Health Authority
Marion County Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Web
Oregon Health Authority
Marion County Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention