DRPT Distributes Face Coverings to Small Va. Transit Agencies

June 11, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DRPT: Haley Glynn
Phone: (804) 351-6647
E-mail: haley.glynn@drpt.virginia.gov

 

DRPT Distributes Face Coverings to Small Va. Transit Agencies
~ Federal Emergency Management Agency Ships 4.8 Million Cloth Face Masks to Transit and Rail Workforce throughout the United States ~

 

RICHMOND – On May 28, the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced that it would distribute approximately 15.5 million cloth face coverings to transportation personnel across the United States, 4.8 million of which have been reserved for mass transit and passenger rail workers.

 

The announcement came one day before Executive Order 63 went into effect in the Commonwealth of Virginia, which mandates the use of facial coverings in train stations, bus stations, and intrastate public transportation.  The order also applies to any waiting or congregating areas associated with boarding public transportation.  

 

In anticipation of a ridership recovery resulting from Virginia’s phased reopening efforts, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and VDOT have begun distributing these cloth face coverings statewide to transit agencies with fewer than 40 employees. 

 

Transit agencies may dispense the cloth face coverings, which are washable and reusable, to transit employees and/or passengers.  This effort supplements expanded federal and state funding assistance, guidance, and regulatory relief that aids local agencies’ efforts to procure face coverings and other personal protective equipment.

 

“Employees on the frontline of this health crisis have put their lives on the line to continue providing essential services to the community,” stated Jennifer Mitchell, Director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. “We thank VDOT, FEMA, and the FTA for this supply of cloth face masks.  Face coverings on public transportation systems can help protect not only the transit operators but also the riders who rely on public transportation in their daily lives.”

 

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About the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation

DRPT’s mission is to improve the mobility of people and goods while expanding transportation choices in the Commonwealth through rail, public transportation, and commuter services. DRPT is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of its services on the basis of race, color, or national origin as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. For additional information on DRPT’s nondiscrimination policies and procedures or to file a complaint, please contact the Title VI Compliance Officer, Mike Mucha, at (804) 786‐6794, TDD 711, or 600 E. Main Street, Suite 2102, Richmond, VA 23219.