CapMetro Bus Operators, Mechanic Test Positive for COVID-19

Agency has removed vehicles from service and implemented a new, supplemental medical leave policy.

CapMetro was made aware this week that four of its staff members have tested positive for COVID-19. The agency will not release the names or medical updates of the employees, three bus operators and a mechanic.

CapMetro strives to be transparent in our communication with our employees, customers and community, especially during times like these. We are doing our best to provide information about which routes and dates our operators worked so that customers can proactively monitor their health. In addition, we have taken proactive measures over the past weeks that minimize contact between our operators and customers.

  • The mechanic works in the bus maintenance area and does not interact with the public. Their last appearance at work was March 16.
  • The first bus operator that confirmed a positive test last worked on March 25. They drove Route 300 on the following days: March 19, March 23, March 24 and 25.
  • The second bus operator's last day on the job was March 26 and they drove Route 383 on March 21 and Route 935 on March 23 through March 26.
  • The fourth employee is also a bus operator whose last day driving was March 26. The bus operator drove Route 985 on March 19; Route 383 on March 22 and 23; Route 325 On March 24 and 25 and Route 335 on March 26.

Anyone who has ridden the routes driven by these operators in the last 14 days should monitor themselves and contact their health care provider if they develop any symptoms.

The buses driven by these operators have been temporarily removed from service for additional sanitation. CapMetro started enhanced cleaning measures early in the COVID-19 emergency by applying a disinfectant to common hand contact areas, including poles, handrails, armrests, door handles and stop request buttons throughout the day.

On March 18, we also implemented rear-door boarding to encourage social distancing on our vehicles. In addition, we have suspended all fares for the entire month of April to keep customers and operators safe. We continue to monitor vehicle capacity to avoid overcrowding.

If customers or employees experience possible COVID-19 symptoms (fever, sore throat, dry cough), we encourage them to contact their health care provider and self-isolate to avoid potentially exposing others.

We thank our staff, who continue to deliver a critical service to the Central Texas community during this public health emergency. CapMetro's service should only be used for necessary trips, and transit should be reserved for those performing essential work or customers traveling to essential services, like grocery stores and pharmacies.

CapMetro implemented a three-week supplemental sick leave program, which is in addition to paid time off already accrued by an employee, to support team members with households affected by COVID-19. We also launched the CapMetro Family Cares program to support these employees.

Our thoughts are with our affected employees and their families as we support them during this time.