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Release Date: May 5, 2020
Media Hot Line: 713.739.4040

METRO Bus Operator, a Service Driver and a Mechanic Test Positive for COVID-19

METRO has received confirmation a bus operator, a service driver and a mechanic have tested positive for COVID-19.  This brings the total number of cases to 15 METRO employees and two contractors.  The Authority continues to track positive test results among its workforce of more than 4200.  We are also conducting temperature checks of all employees before they begin their workday. 

The bus operator last worked April 17-20, April 22-27, and April 30.  During that time, the operator drove the following routes:

• 65 Bissonnet
• 82 Westheimer
• 153 Harwin Express
• 161 Wilcrest Express
• 292 West Bellfort/Westwood/TMC Park & Ride
• 298 Kingsland/Addicks/NWTC/TMC Park & Ride

The service driver, who operated shuttles and some on-demand trips, last worked March 8-11 and March 14- 19. During that time, he drove the following routes:

• Acres Homes Community Connector
• 38 Manchester-Lawndale
• 360 Peerless Shuttle
• 399 Kuykendahl Shuttle

The mechanic last worked on March 27 and had no interaction with the public.

METRO is working with public health officials so they can identify and notify anyone who may have been in close contact with the three.   In that event, they should monitor themselves for possible symptoms, contact your health care provider as soon as you develop any symptoms, and self-isolate to avoid possibly exposing others, including refraining from using public transportation.

Since mid-March, METRO has sought to minimize the likelihood of COVID-19 transmission by operators or passengers by encouraging social distancing.  On March 23, the agency temporarily suspended collecting fares to avoid unnecessary contacts.  Shortly thereafter, orange mesh fencing was installed across the aisles of every local bus to assure appropriate distancing between operators and passengers.

We appreciate and greatly value our riders. We have taken many actions, including working with the community at large, to “flatten the curve” of COVID-19. To prevent or minimize its transmission on the transit system, METRO asks all riders to use the system only for essential trips at this time, wear a facial covering while riding the system, practice social distancing when you do ride transit (i.e., stand or sit at least 6 feet apart, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, wash your hands for 20 seconds before boarding transit and after deboarding, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, or cough or sneeze into your elbow, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, and stay home if you are sick). Additionally, riders should board buses only from the back door, and stand or sit no closer than six feet behind the driver. 

METRO’s number one priority is protecting the health and safety of our customers, community and employees.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is the region’s largest public transit provider, offering safe, reliable and affordable transportation services about 370,000 times per day. Besides operating more than 1,200 buses on METRO’s network, METRORail's system includes the Red Line (Main Street and Northline), Green Line (East End) and Purple Line (Southeast). METRO’s services also include: STAR Vanpool, METROLift, HOV/HOT lanes, Bike & Ride program, Park & Ride, and road improvement projects. Learn more about METRO services at ridemetro.org where you will also find useful tools like the RideMETRO app where you can plan your trip and even pay your fare from your phone.