POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess County Public Transit will resume full bus service for all 13 fixed routes, as well as rail link services, this Saturday, June 6.
Extensive social distancing and cleaning protocols are in place to protect the health and safety of riders and drivers and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Bus fares for all services have been temporarily suspended for a pilot period to allow passengers to adjust to the various safety protocols.
“With more and more residents returning to work and as businesses reopen under the state’s phased reopening plan, Dutchess County Public Transit will return to full service to help get people to work and other activities,” said County Executive Marc Molinaro. “We are all navigating uncharted waters, so we ask everyone to be patient and cooperative with safety measures that are designed to protect our community’s health and safety. During the initial transition to full service, there will be no charge to passengers, and we will continue to offer our special same day on-demand service for our more vulnerable residents.”
Since the COVID-19 pandemic first arrived in the county, DCPT has implemented significant cleaning and sanitization procedures, as well as new public health safety policies for drivers and passengers including:
- Vehicles are cleaned and sanitized daily with sanitizing spray;
- Drivers are given daily temperature checks at the start of their shifts;
- Bus drivers continue to wear face masks and gloves;
- All riders are required to wear a face covering or mask; masks will be available on the buses for riders who need them;
- Social distancing markers are in place; and
- Passengers must board and disembark buses through the rear door.
