To our valued riders and community, The Palo Verde Valley Transit Agency (PVVTA) continues to take preventative steps in response to the potential spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Like transit agencies across the country, PVVTA is closely monitoring this public health issue. We are working closely with the Riverside County Medical Health Department Operations Center (MH DOC) and monitoring information from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
PVVTA has employed recommendations from the CDC on enhanced cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting procedures. The following procedures are currently in place:
Revenue Vehicles (Buses)
Each vehicle receives daily cleanings, which includes disinfecting high touch surfaces (stanchions, hand holds, and fareboxes).
Office / High Traffic Areas
Periodic and daily cleanings, which includes disinfecting high touch surfaces (door handles, desks, lobby) .
Bus Stops
Done periodically, hot pressure washing, the entire bus stop shelter and pavement are sprayed with disinfectant using a hand pump sprayer.
Tips for Riders
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow, not your hand. Alternatively, cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands
- Clean and disinfect high touch objects and surfaces
- Face covering are strongly advised and may be mandated for travel on PVVTA services as required
Updates
12/17/2021 2:00PM PST – PVVTA will follow the California new mask mandate beginning December 15, 2021, and continuing to January 15, 2022 the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is requiring masks to be worn in all indoor public settings, irrespective of vaccine status. Also, as readopted on December 16, 2021 by Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS). The emergency standards take effect on January 14, 2022.
02/08/2021 2:00PM PST – As of February 1, 2021 PVVTA will maintain a face covering “Mask” mandate on all PVVTA services and property compliant to SD 1582/84-21-01 enforcing Presidential Executive Order 13998 requiring face masks on all public transportation.
09/28/2020 11:00AM PST – As of October 1, 2020 PVVTA will continue with the current level of service. The Blue Route 1 midday addition and the Gold Route 2 will continue to be postponed.
08/27/2020 13:00PM PST -Tuesday September 8, 2020 the Red Route 3 service to the CA State Prison facilities will resume full service on regular schedule at full fare. The Blythe Wellness Express (BWE) will offer an additional weekly service day on Fridays. The Blue Route 1 midday addition will be postponed until October 5, 2020.
07/27/2020 17:00PM PST -Monday August 3, 2020 the Blythe Wellness Express (BWE) will operate Monday and Wednesday weekly. Xtend-A-Ride will be available during normal weekday operating hours for specific trips. No Gold Route 2 service due to the distance learning mandate.
06/15/2020 19:00PM PST – PVVTA outlines a roadmap to opening services starting Saturday June 20, 2020. For more information please contact PVVTA at 760-922-1140 pvvta.com.
05/27/2020 1:00PM PST – The Blythe Wellness Express (BWE) will resume service on a Wednesday only schedule starting June 3, 2020 with specific guidelines for travel including collection of fare. The Community Circulator Response Route (CCRR) will continue as base service, fare free.
05/11/2020 11:00AM PST – As the County of Riverside rescinded previous health orders last Friday for face coverings and social distancing. PVVTA will continue to require both the wearing of face coverings and also conducting social distancing when at all possible.
04/30/2020 8:00AM PST – PVVTA will continue to operate the Community Circulator Response Route (CCRR) service until Sunday May 31, 2020. All regular services including the Blythe Wellness Express (BWE) will continue to be suspended until Sunday May 31, 2020 due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.
04/04/2020 20:00PST – PVVTA will require all riders to wear a face covering in a correct manner, no exceptions. Riders must only use transit services for essential travel. Trips for leisure will not be allowed. If passengers feel sick or display symptoms such as a cough, they should not ride the bus, it is strongly encouraged that they stay home and contact their primary care physician or county health department.
03/22/2020 20:00PST – In an effort to proactively address the continued concern and prolonged effects of the current CA “Stay at Home” Order the following changes will be placed into effect immediately. All regular service will be suspended and converted to a reduced community circulator responsive service model starting Monday March 23, 2020 until further notice. All rides and deviations on this Community Circulator Response Route (CCRR) will be free of charge. Services will operate Monday through Friday as listed in schedule (7am-3pm) and on Saturdays as a call-in reservation only service (8am-12noon). During these service times extra drivers are available to help with your mobility and distancing needs. The Gold Route 2 and Blythe Wellness Express (BWE) will continue to be suspended until May 1, 2020. The Red Route 3 Express to the CA State Prison facilities will be suspended after services tomorrow Monday March 23, 2020 5:00pm until further notice in an effort to notify such riders. The PVVTA Operations Center will be closed to the public, services can be reached by phone.
03/18/2020 12:30PST – In an effort to promote social distancing, our public office lobby will be open on a limited basis from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon daily Monday through Friday on regular operating days. If there is a need for office services such as purchasing passes or conducting other business outside of these limited hours, please call to make specific arrangements at 760-922-1140 between the hours of 7:00 am up to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday on regular operating days. Any transactions will be conducted in an orderly, cautious manner to promote the safety of our employees and customers.
03/17/2020 14:30PST – Blythe Wellness Express BWE 6 (service to the Coachella Valley) is suspended immediately, until April 6, 2020 due to the heightened potential of exposure.
03/13/2020 18:00PST – Gold Route 2 (service to the Palo Verde College PVC) is suspended immediately, until further notice due to PVC closure by Riverside County Public Health.
Information and Resources
Center for Disease Control (CDC)