This guidebook is intended for senior transit and rail operations leaders. It is based on input from public health, medical, and transit experts, as well as best practices shared by agencies nationally. Readers should bear in mind that COVID-19 presents a new risk environment for transit and rail agencies. Safety Management System (SMS) implementation requires:
- Evaluating hazards and system changes for risk;
- Keeping up with the pandemic’s impacts on the transit and rail environment; and
- Making changes that may bring risk tradeoffs.
Throughout this document, there are suggestions for reducing the risks related to COVID-19 to passengers and employees. Before implementing any of these suggestions, agencies should assess whether such a change can be scaled to its size and mode of agency in a manner that does not add unacceptable risk. Agencies are also encouraged to consult their local health officials in this process.
APTA may revise this guide to stay consistent with emerging medical and public health information about COVID-19.