COVID-19 Rider Information

Preventing the spread of COVID-19 is a team effort. Here's what you need to know.

Here you will find the latest information issued by Port Authority, as well as helpful tips on what you can do to protect yourself and fellow riders while riding public transit throughout our the region.

As of Sunday, June 20, 2021, capacity limits on all Port Authority vehicles have been lifted.

Port Authority has launched a new online tool to help riders plan trips with social distancing in mind called Room2Ride.

Safe to Go

As we continue to navigate the global pandemic, your health and safety continue to be our top priority. Learn more about our in-depth plan to keep you safe while taking public transit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Port Authority staying on top of the latest COVID-19 developments?

How can I stay healthy and limit the spread of germs on public transit vehicles?

Federal and State health orders require all employees and riders to wear a protective face covering at stops, stations and on any Port Authority vehicle to help protect against the spread of germs. Only those citing economic or health reasons may ride without a face covering. Children ages two or under do not require a face covering. Read more about our face covering policy here.

The most effective way to help prevent the exposure to and spread of germs is to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you are unable to wash your hands, carry alcohol-based (60-95% alcohol) hand sanitizer. Do this immediately after riding the bus, light rail vehicle, or incline.

Here are some additional tips for protecting yourself and fellow riders while riding public transit:

If you notice someone near you who appears to be visibly sick, move away from them if possible. If escaping the path of someone’s cough or sneeze isn’t an option, respectfully pivot in the opposite direction, being sure to face away from the trajectory of their cough or sneeze.

While an entirely hands-free commute probably isn’t possible, it’s best to avoid holding on to poles and straps as germs can survive on these surfaces. If possible, sit down, keeping your hands in your pockets to avoid touching unnecessary surfaces. This option is more of a best-case scenario, as trains and buses are often full during peak travel hours, and individuals with physical disabilities should always have first priority for seating.

If you are unable to sit for any reason, and must hold on to poles or straps, carry tissues and use these as barriers between your bare hand and the surface you are touching. Discard the tissue in a waste bin after exiting the vehicle.

If you're sick, stay home. If that’s not an option, make sure that you don’t cough or sneeze into your hands. You’re more likely to touch something and spread germs that could infect others. Instead, cough or sneeze into your shoulder, sleeve or elbow.

Get your flu shot. It has been an active flu and respiratory disease season. The CDC and Allegheny County Health Department continue to recommend getting a flu shot – it’s never too late.

As an additional effort to prevent the spread of germs, Port Authority has installed hand sanitizing dispensers for customers at major bus and light rail stations.

At which bus and light rail stations can I find hand sanitizer dispensers?

What is being done to keep buses, rail cars, and stations clean?

Has ACCESS, Port Authority’s paratransit system, also increased the frequency of vehicle cleaning?

What should I do if someone is noticeably ill on the bus?

What is being done to protect our drivers?

Are there any current impacts to service?

Is Port Authority offering reimbursements for time-based passes?

What would happen if person confirmed to have the virus rode on a Port Authority vehicle?

Where can I go to stay updated about Port Authority information and service?

How many Port Authority employees have tested positive for COVID-19?

How many Port Authority employees have died after testing positive for COVID-19?

View the latest news from Port Authority

Hygiene Tips for Riders

Port Authority has partnered with the Allegheny County Health Department to offer some useful tips to help prevent the exposure to and spread of germs and illness while riding public transit in our region.

Wash your hands.

Washing your hands is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs, particularly after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Follow these five steps every time:

- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice, or “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.”
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Carry alcohol-based (60-95% alcohol) hand sanitizer when you aren’t able to wash your hands.

Change your seat.

If you notice someone near you who appears to be visibly sick, move away from them if possible.

If escaping the path of someone’s cough or sneeze isn’t an option, respectfully pivot in the opposite direction, being sure to face away from the trajectory of their cough or sneeze.

Sit down.

While an entirely hands-free commute probably isn’t possible, it’s best to avoid holding on to poles and straps as germs can survive on these surfaces. If possible, opt to sit, keeping your hands in your pockets to avoid touching unnecessary surfaces. This option is more of a best-case scenario, as trains and buses are often full during peak travel hours, and individuals with physical disabilities should always have first priority for seating.

Use good judgment.

If you are sick, stay home. If that’s not an option, don’t cough or sneeze into your hands. You’re more likely to touch something and spread germs that could infect others. Instead, cough or sneeze into your shoulder, sleeve or elbow.

Additionally, it has been an active flu and respiratory disease season. The CDC and ACHD continues to recommend getting a flu shot - it’s never too late.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)