Modified: April 13, 2020 3:35pm
Monday, April 13, 2020
WHEREAS, responding to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) has taken extraordinary measures to try to protect their employees and passengers riding on Metro Bus and Metro Rail, such as suspending the collection of fares and on Metro Bus and Rail during the crisis; and
WHEREAS, we owe the men and women of the NFTA are very deepest thanks and appreciation, like all essential employees working during this pandemic, for continuing to come to work and perform their vital transportation service for our community; and
WHEREAS, despite precautionary measures taken by the NFTA to protect operators and riders alike and to help stop the spread of COVID-19, such as the posting of placards urging only ‘essential’ rides for passengers, the issuance of masks and gloves to drivers, and asking passengers to board the rear of the bus, there are still signs and concerns about COVID-19-related safety on Metro buses; and
WHEREAS, there are reports and indications that many ‘non-essential’ passengers are riding buses and making non-essential trips; and
WHEREAS, the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1342 representing NFTA employees have suggested the creation and issuance of a special “essential” passenger pass to help limit non-essential travel; and
WHEREAS, this Honorable Body urges the NFTA to consider additional measures to limit non-essential persons from engaging in non-essential travel during the COVID-19 state of emergency, and to support stopping the spread.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Erie County Legislature expresses its support for additional measures to be undertaken by the NFTA to further protect its employees and passengers during the COVID-19 outbreak, such as the creation and distribution of an “Essential Worker Rider” bus pass to limit non-essential riders during the COVID-19 outbreak; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the executive director of the NFTA is requested to report to the Legislature on the additional measures the NFTA will undertake to protect their employees and passengers during the COVID-19 outbreak, such as limiting riders on buses to ensure social distancing, creating and issuing special passes, cleaning buses daily, or multiple times/day, etc.; and be it further;
RESOLVED, that certified copies be transmitted to the Chair of the Board of Commissioners of the NFTA, the Executive Director of the NFTA, the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1342, and the Commissioner of the Erie County Department of Health.
Fiscal Impact: To be determined.