FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2020

#PublicHealthIsHere4U

MEDIA SERIES DESIGNED TO HIGHLIGHT LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH EFFORTS

New City, NY, - Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert announce the latest update to the #PublicHealthIsHere4U media series, which highlights local COVID-19 public health efforts that are keeping our community safe. The series highlights county employees and volunteers that have come together to help battle this disease through the implementation of public health measures.

Today's #PublicHealthIsHere4U update features the county's public transit system and how its staff and contractor have adapted and responded to the COVID-19 crisis. Throughout the pandemic, Transport of Rockland (TOR) bus service continues to be in full-service operation on all routes throughout Rockland while the TRIPS Paratransit bus service continues to operate both the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) TRIPS and Regular TRIPS service levels. While in full operation, these services are for essential travel only.

Michael D'Angelo, Deputy Commissioner and Director of Administration and Research, has been employed with the County for 20 years, of which the last seven have been with the Department of Public Transportation. Prior to the pandemic, Michael oversaw the administration of the Department and bus operations, including the contract with Transdev Services Inc., which operates the TOR bus service.

Since the COVID-19 crisis began, he has been intensely focused on adjusting transit operations to meet changing conditions. Michael acknowledges the County Public Transportation staff, who have ensured the uninterrupted continuity of bus service and other Department functions, including customer service, purchasing, timekeeping and payroll, plus field monitoring and the mandated reporting and program management required to maintain state and federal funds – funds that enable the Department to operate without any County tax dollars.

"We have had incredible cooperation here among staff in the Public Transportation Department. The way that everyone has quickly adapted to this situation, meeting demands, flexing with the changing requirements, while continuing to still do everything we have always done, has been beyond impressive. We know there isn't anyone here that hasn't somehow been personally affected by this crisis. Yet we have seen nothing but teamwork, caring and hard work from everyone. That makes us beyond proud," said D'Angelo.

"We are also fortunate to have an incredibly responsive and professional management team and staff at Transdev, which has helped to keep our TOR service running smoothly and adapting quickly. They have successfully risen to each challenge this response has presented, and everyone there, from drivers to field supervisors, dispatchers, mechanics, and managers, continue to be present and do what is needed throughout each day to keep people moving as safely as possible," said D'Angelo.

When the pandemic began, TRIPS management and staff quickly got to work ensuring drivers had hand sanitizer, gloves and sanitizing wipes available each day, and communicated with riders and staff the importance of following the safety protocols and guidelines. The TOR operator's management at Transdev also worked swiftly with the County's Operations Coordinator to learn what had to be done, and together they established methods to successfully achieve those results. Transdev also worked with the Department to ensure the messages used to inform customers were consistent and quickly posted onboard the buses. Improved bus cleaning protocols were also put into place at the start, including daily sanitizing for both TOR and TRIPS.

"As things progressed, we began adapting policies and practices quickly to further protect health and safety. For example, waiving fares and having riders board buses at the rear doors, when possible. We also made sure our TRIPS drivers and staff, as well as the contracted TOR drivers and staff, had access to masks and other PPE," said D'Angelo.

Since March, both TOR and TRIPS services have seen a significant reduction in ridership but remain in full service to accommodate residents who rely on public transportation for essential needs, and to enable riders to more effectively maintain social distancing while onboard the buses. TRIPS office staff and drivers are busy each day safeguarding transportation for people with disabilities and older adults – some of Rockland County's most vulnerable residents – who need access to dialysis and other medical appointments, as well as for basics like medication and groceries. On TOR, riders include essential workers, as well as residents traveling to grocery stores, pharmacies, and for other essential needs.

"We know that many of our riders are traveling to and from difficult jobs these days and our service is important to them. These riders are often heading out to the frontline, or traveling home, where they may be having to isolate themselves from their families. We are acutely aware of the hardship that many of our riders are facing right now, and we hope that not having to worry about how to get back and forth helps," said D'Angelo.

When public transportation was deemed only for necessary travel and riders were asked to practice social distancing, staff saw time and again that riders were being respectful of these precautions. Once masks or face coverings were required, the same level of respect was honored among riders. "Our customers are our partners in this effort, and both TOR and TRIPS passengers have been great about adapting to the necessary changes as they took place. The cooperation we have seen from our riders has been a big part of our response, and we appreciate the role that they have played in this," said D'Angelo.

In mid-April, Rockland County joined the #SoundTheHorn Campaign to honor transportation workers throughout our region and recognize their heroic contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic. TOR and TRIPS drivers, along with transit workers throughout our region, sounded their horns all at the same time to honor our #HeroesMovingHeroes.

"Both our TRIPS drivers, who are essential County employees, and the TOR drivers, have set an incredibly positive example with the professionalism they have shown serving on the frontline under these most difficult conditions. Their commitment has been exemplary, and we are grateful to have such dedicated individuals providing service for us each day," said D'Angelo.

The Public Transportation Department's Transit Information Center remains staffed and can be reached at (845) 364-3333, or email TransitHelp@co.rockland.ny.us. TOR and TRIPS customers may sign up for text/email alerts at www.rocklandbus.com or text 'TOR' or 'TRIPS' to 74121.

For local COVID-19 information and resources, visit the county's coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage at http://rcklnd.us/covid19 or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rockhealth or Twitter at www.twitter.com/rockhealth for more information.

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