December 11 –With record numbers of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 patients and rising deaths, earlier this week Governor Mark Gordon announced new and expanded state Health Orders. These efforts, including requiring face coverings in indoor public settings, reducing group sizes, and reducing hours of some businesses, are being implemented to keep schools and businesses open in the long-term. The reduction in group size, included in the continuation of Health Order #2, affects non-commuter START bus ridership.
The adjustment to group size will affect non-commuter START bus capacity, which must operate at 25% capacity. Commuter buses are exempt from the health orders. The following capacity limits will be in place for Town Shuttles and buses taking people to and from Teton Village starting tomorrow, December 12, and will be enforced by drivers through January 8.
Bus Type: 25% Capacity
40 Ft. Buses (Village): 77 Max = 19 (18 passengers, 1 Driver)
30 Ft. Buses (Town Shuttle): 40 Max = 10 (9 passengers, 1 Driver)
40 Ft. Buses (Electric): 77 Max = 19 (18 Passengers, 1 Driver)
Governor Gordon said. “Science tells us limiting gatherings of groups and using face coverings are effective in slowing transmission of this virus. With these actions we can avoid taking the more drastic step of closing schools and businesses. These new orders are meant to support local leadership and we should all know that in Wyoming these mandates are not about citations, but about caring for others.”
START Bus continues to follow guidance and direction from local and state Health Officials. Masks are required on all START buses, and the organization continues to focus on the safety of passengers and employees including extensive cleaning of buses, improvement to air flow of vehicles, and protection of drivers with dividers.
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