Octa's transportation blog

OCTA Board Commends Essential Workers

A resolution adopted by the OCTA Board of Directors applauds the efforts of OCTA employees and essential workers throughout the county and re-emphasizes the Board’s support for all necessary precautionary measures to fight the coronavirus (COVID-19).

“The OC Bus system helps thousands of essential workers reach their jobs and many others reach critical services, and we want to do everything possible to help them travel safely,” said OCTA Chairman Steve Jones, also the Mayor of Garden Grove. “Every person that keeps our community moving, including our OCTA coach operators and maintenance and service workers, are the unsung heroes in this public health crisis.”

As part of its continuing effort to keep its employees and passengers safe, in July OCTA began distributing free reusable cloth face coverings onboard select bus routes, at the OCTA Store, and in coordination with community partners and local social-service agencies.

The distribution of face coverings is the latest health and safety measure put in place in recent months since California governor’s March 4 State of Emergency orders.

Among those efforts are enhanced bus cleaning, installation of hand sanitizer on buses, requiring passengers to board through rear doors, limiting passengers on board for social distancing, and implementing employee COVID-19 screenings with temperature checks.

“The many steps OCTA has taken clearly demonstrate that safety is our top priority. We have and will continue to implement necessary measures to protect employees and the public during the pandemic,” said OCTA Vice Chairman Andrew Do, also the county’s First District Supervisor. “We will never waver from that commitment and we appreciate the public’s help in keeping our community strong and healthy.”

Throughout the public health crisis, OCTA has followed the guidance of federal, state and local health experts, in close coordination with the Orange County Health Care Agency. OCTA also has followed best practices implemented by the State of California, the FTA and the California Transit Association.

For more information about OCTA’s COVID-19 safety measures, visit here.