MetroAccess Update on COVID-19

Updated: 10/20/2020 at 2:55 p.m.
We recognize that some of our MetroAccess customers are especially susceptible to illness. We recognize, too, that access to healthcare, groceries and other services is an essential part of your daily lives. We continue to work diligently to protect your health and safety while in our care and thank you for doing your part. Your fellow passengers and CapMetro staff are depending on you, too!

Please be aware of the following as modifications to our service may affect you.

Mirroring regular bus service, MetroAccess is operating on a limited-service schedule. Customers will only be picked up and dropped off between 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Service days and hours are subject to change.

As businesses begin to reopen and our community takes cautious steps to return to normal, CapMetro will continue to monitor ridership demand. Wherever possible, vehicles are being scheduled with room to encourage social distancing. While travel is not restricted, avoiding unnecessary travel and remaining at home the best way to avoid exposure. Face coverings must be worn while on CapMetro vehicles.

To safeguard all of our customers and vehicle operators, MetroAccess is unable to transport sick customers to COVID-19 testing sites, including drive-thru sites. Thank you for your understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Stay home, and please contact a local health care provider for assistance. If your health care provider determines it necessary, they will contact Austin Public Health to request testing.

CapMetro has partnered with HEB and the Central Texas Food Bank to deliver groceries to your door. Please visit CapMetro Help at Home Kits for more information.

The city of Austin is sponsoring a free service called Bank of Nurses. They can be reached at 512-972-5555.

We are not medical professionals and cannot accommodate emergency travel requests. Please contact 9-1-1.

Our dedicated team knows that transportation is a vital service. We will continue to operate as long as it is safely possible. For the most up-to-date information, please visit CapMetro.org. For information on potential service disruptions due to the public health crisis, visit CapMetro.org/COVID19.

We are expanding on our already high cleaning standards to increase how often we wipe down shared surfaces, including call buttons, railings, etc.

Our janitorial team has increased cleaning in common areas. Capital Metro staff members have access to soap and hand sanitizer, wipes, gloves and other cleaning and safety materials. We are modifying our internal procedures to limit possibilities for exposure. We are also providing staff with preventative education and regular status communication, and are ensuring they are aware of relevant features of their health care plans.

MetroAccess has suspended in-person Eligibility appointments for the time being. Existing customers whose eligibility is scheduled to end soon will be extended and will receive notification at a later date regarding the process for reapplying. New applicants who have submitted paper applications will be evaluated for temporary eligibility and will participate in an in-person eligibility assessment once on-site appointments can safely resume.

Stay at home if you are sick. Limit contact with others who are sick. Cover coughs with a sleeve or a tissue and immediately throw it away. Wash your hands frequently or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Maintain good hygiene, get enough rest and eat healthy. Avoid non-essential travel or large crowds.

Anything that covers your mouth and nose will work. Consider using a scarf, bandana or any other piece of cloth you can secure to your face. If you have a disability that affects your ability to wear a face covering, please contact Martin Kareithi, our program manager of accessible services, to request a reasonable modification. Call 512-389-7583 or email martin.kareithi@capmetro.org. Austin Mayor Steve Adler made a video explaining how to make a mask at home (which starts at about the 5:45 mark of the video).

Please call us at 512-852-7272 (follow the menu to reach Customer Service) or email metroaccess@capmetro.org.

Please take care of yourselves! Thank you for riding Capital Metro.