Traffic & Transit
Local Bus Line Not Admitting Passengers Not Wearing Face Masks
SunLine Transit, which provides public transportation to commuters in the Coachella Valley, is not permitting riders to ride without masks.
THOUSAND PALMS, CA — SunLine Transit Agency bus drivers today began denying entry for Coachella Valley transit riders not wearing face coverings inorder to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The transit agency put the measure into effect following an order issued over the weekend by county health officials instructing anyone leaving home to wear a face covering and barring all outside gatherings, except for those between family members residing in the same home.
``While covering our faces has become the next essential step we must all take to help flatten the curve, we also want to emphasize that transit should be used for trips accessing essential services only,'' said Lauren Skiver, SunLine's CEO and general manager. ``By working together, we will protect ourselves and others by doing all we can to reduce the spread of COVID-19.''
SunLine's announcement applies to the agency's regular bus lines, as well as paratransit services. SunLine previously cut some of its bus routes, and began offering freefares to reduce contact between riders and drivers. For more information about the changes, go to www.sunline.org/covid.
