Going Off the Rails: Public Health and Transit Concerns
The Big Blue Bus, LACMTA and LADOT service resumes like clockwork, urging riders to enter from the rear due to the rampant rise in COVID-19 cases in the United States. Public Transit remains an essential service residents rely on during the pandemic, and are operating "Fare Free" in response to the pandemic. (Anthony Mayen / The Corsair)
Despite the widespread closures of public spaces due to the coronavirus pandemic, businesses deemed essential have remained open. This includes public transportation, even in face of a significant decrease in demand. Those who depend on public transportation have routes that may now be disrupted due to the rising health concerns. Additionally, walking doesn't seem to be a viable alternative for the majority of people in LA, particularly those with a long commute to work.
In response to the outbreak, car services Uber and Lyft have also both temporarily suspended their shared ride feature, which provided users with a cheaper option to regular services.
“I usually used buses and trains, but since the coronavirus I haven’t really taken public transportation. I take Ubers, but it’s expensive so I try to have my brother transport me as much as I can,” says Rite Aid employee, Linard Doroteo.
LA resident and former Santa Monica College student, Magaly Mendez, has also recently transitioned out of using public transit. “I don’t go out often anymore, only to get groceries, but since I buy a bit more than before I tend to take Lyft home,” Magaly said. “Most places have run out of essentials like masks, gloves, and sanitizers. I don’t wear them because I don’t know where to get them.”
Metro’s website states that “ridership is down about 80 percent systemwide.” As a result, several trips have been discontinued, and routes are actively being readjusted to better accommodate high demand areas. Metro and Big Blue Bus also state that as these changes occur, the arrival data they provide may no longer be accurate.
In reference to public transit, SMC student Arthur Coh-Gar states, “the situation is getting so bad here. I’m thinking of leaving altogether before it gets really bad. People are only concerned with the COVID-19 virus itself, but nobody’s talking about the indirect consequences.”
As of March 12, the Metro postponed all public events at Union Station for 30 days. The next day, on March 13, Amtrak reported that a passenger who went through the metro station may have tested positive for COVID-19. March 16 was the last day on the job for a maintenance worker at Metro’s Division Five bus yard in South LA who was confirmed to have tested positive for the virus the following week.
On March 19, California governor Gavin Newsom issued a statewide "Stay at Home" order until further notice. The aforementioned 30 day projection points to the unpredictability of a now ominously uncertain future. As of April 10, Metro reported a total of 23 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among their employees, contractors, and vendors. There have also been over 19,000 confirmed cases in California, as reported by the California Department of Public Health, and that number is expected to grow indefinitely. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti is now requesting that residents wear face coverings when out in public, as an added protective measure.
Metro and Big Blue Bus have also implemented new safety measures to try and prevent the spread of COVID-19 without eliminating services. Both claim to have strengthened cleaning practices and ensure that everything, including all high traffic areas, are being disinfected daily. Big Blue Bus states that they have upped their cleaning schedule from once each night to every morning as well. Additionally, Metro has expressed plans to install hand sanitizer dispensers at major transit stops and stations, as well as within buses and trains.
One concern among users of public transit was that the enclosed space wouldn’t be conducive to social distancing. However, due to the significant decrease in customer traffic, riders are now being encouraged to avoid close contact by maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet from one other. Protective measures such as these are meant to be applied to bus drivers as well. Both transit companies are requiring rear-door boarding for all customers who don’t need access to the ramp.
While the Big Blue Bus is no longer demanding fare, Metro still asks riders to be in possession of their payment during travel, and uphold that it is being enforced by fare inspectors.