COLUMBIA, S.C. — Two Columbia bus drivers have been quarantined after testing positive for COVID-19, according to the Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (COMET).
Officials say two operators employed by their subcontractor, RATP Dev USA, Inc., have tested positive for the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 and are in quarantine.
The vehicles those drivers were in were taken out of service and sanitized prior to being returned to the routes, and any equipment used and the driver’s lounge was also disinfected, officials say.
The operators drove fixed routes 61, 11 and the 801 on the evening split and fixed routes 83L/84 and 401/45.
The operators are quarantined and will not return to work until negative test results are reported.
COMET officials say while they provide regular, voluntary, on-site testing to all employees, staff may also access testing from available outside resources, and the recent test results were received from outside resources.
Bus operators and staff are required to use the multiple temperature check stations, located in the administration building which houses the drivers’ lounge, upon reporting for their shift. Rear door boarding of all passengers, except for seniors or those in a wheelchair is also in effect.
Enforcing masks or face coverings to ride The COMET buses or enter facilities went into effect in June. The buses operators are instructed to not move unless all passengers are complying. In addition to the mandatory mask policy, drivers were also given face shields to further protect themselves and their passengers, officials say. To prevent overcrowding, “tripper” vehicles follow popular routes so that passengers may ride comfortably. No standing is allowed.
