MetroAccess Update on COVID-19

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!

Announcement: MetroAccess will resume in-person eligibility operations for applicants effective July 12, 2021. Eligibility reviews will take place at the Eligibility & Mobility Training Center located at 209 West 9th Street Austin Texas 78701. This return to in-person assessments was made with the public’s health and safety in mind, and we will continue our risk reduction measures. The safety of our community is a top priority, and MetroAccess will continue to promote applicant safety during assessments through items such as:

(Updated 7/14/21)

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

Capital Metro continues to monitor ridership demand. Wherever possible, vehicles are being scheduled with room to encourage social distancing. 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:

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

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.

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

Per the latest federal orders, customers are required to wear face masks while on transit vehicles, effective until September 2021. Face masks must cover your nose and mouth and attach around the ears. Bandanas and other single-ply fabric coverings do not meet this new requirement and will be prohibited.

If you find yourself without a face mask, you may request one from the vehicle operator.

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.

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.

  • Outstanding cleanliness. We are expanding on our already high cleaning standards to increase how often we wipe down shared surfaces, including call buttons, railings, etc.
  • Cashless and contact-free payment. CapMetro has introduced new ways to pay to allow customers to ride even more safely and easily. Learn more about buying fares using the CapMetro App, cash to mobile and with our brand new Tap cards.
  • Masks for staff and customers. While we encourage you to always remember your mask when leaving the house, CapMetro has them available in case you forget. Federal regulations require face masks for all customers and staff on CapMetro buses and trains.
  • Hand sanitizer. For your convenience, hand sanitizing stations are available on our vehicles to use as you enter and exit your ride.

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.

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.

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