Using Metro Fixed Route Bus System

COVID GUIDELINES EFFECTIVE JANUARY 29, 2021

Riders must adhere to the following for the fixed route buses starting January 29, 2021 in order to keep public transportation operating in Kalamazoo County:

• Face Masks:  Everyone on the bus must be wearing a face covering.  Metro drivers will also be wearing a face covering.  Masks requirements include:
  
  • A properly worn mask completely covers the nose and mouth.
  • Cloth masks should be made with two or more layers of a breathable fabric that is tightly woven (i.e., fabrics that do not let light pass through when held up to a light source).
  • Mask should be secured to the head with ties, ear loops, or elastic bands that go behind the head. If gaiters are worn, they should have two layers of fabric or be folded to make two layers.
  • Mask should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face.
  • Mask should be a solid piece of material without slits, exhalation valves, or punctures.

  The following are prohibitted as of January 29, 2021:

  • Masks worn in a way that does not cover both the mouth and nose
  • Face shields or goggles (face shields or goggles may be worn to supplement a mask that meets above required attributes)
  • Scarves, ski masks, balaclavas, or bandannas
  • Shirt or sweater collars (e.g., turtleneck collars) pulled up over the mouth and nose.
  • Masks made from loosely woven fabric or that are knitted, i.e., fabrics that let light pass through
  • Masks made from materials that are hard to breathe through (such as vinyl, plastic or leather)
  • Masks containing slits, exhalation valves, or punctures
  • Masks that do not fit properly (large gaps, too loose or too tight)
    
    SOURCE:  https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/masks/mask-travel-guidance.html

• Boarding the Bus:  Only rear door boarding is available with no fare required.  

• Ramp and Assisted Boarding:  Due to a plexiglass barrier near the driver, those requiring a ramp or kneeling of the bus will not be able to board immediately at bus stops.  Drivers will speak to the passenger at the bus stop using the outdoor speaker and send out a vehicle that is able to accommodate the passenger.  Additional transportation will be made available within 30 minutes.  Those needing additional assistance riding Metro can contact Metro Connect at 350-2970 for no cost curb to curb service seven days a week. 

• Hand Sanitizer:  A hand sanitizer dispenser has been installed at the back door where passengers board. To help keep the bus clean and to protect others, use the hand sanitizer when boarding the bus.  

• Limited seating:  Bus seats will be marked off with yellow tape to encourage social distancing.  Members from the same household can and should remain together.  Passengers cannot stand in the aisle.

• Limit Rides:  Metro requests that all passengers travel for essential rides only per the Governor’s Stay Home Staff Safe order in effect through May 28. With limited hours and seating, only 14 or 18 riders can be on the bus at a time (depending on bus size).  If a bus is full, the driver will not pick up additional passengers until there is room.  Because of this, please consolidate trips and take Metro only for essential work, grocery and medical trips.

The Metro bus drivers are available in case of an emergency and passengers are being asked to minimize their contact with drivers at this time.  With the limited services comes reduced service hours and seating. Expect setbacks and plan ample travel time.

Specific route information including modified schedules and regular updates on your public transportation is available at www.kmetro.com/ or by calling (269) 337-8222.  Additional updates are also available on Facebook at Metro Transit.

In this section, Metro riders will find useful information, including service days & hours, travel training, rules of conduct, tours, and routes. If you’re looking for information regarding bus fares, please visit the Fares page.

NOTICE: Your rights under Title VI:
Metro operates without regard to race, color, or national origin. To request additional information on Metro’s Title VI obligations, please contact the Title VI staff officer at 269-337-8222. A Title VI complaint form can be obtained at Metro’s website www.kmetro.com, by calling 269-337-8222, or via mail by writing:

La NOTA: Sus derechos bajo Titula VI:
Metro opera sin distincion de raza, color u origen nacional. Para solicitar informacion adicional sobre las obligaciones del Titulo VI de Metro, por favor pongase en contacto con el oficial de personal del Titulo VI en 269-337-8222. Una forma de queja del Titulo VI se puede obtener en la pagina web www.kmetro.com de Metro, llamando al 269-337-8222, o por correo escribiendo a:

Metro
530 N. Rose Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49007