To Promote Social Distancing New Operational Procedure Took Effect April 2, 2020

WOODLAND, CA (MPG) – In response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) shelter-in-place order Yolobus continues to make adjustments to help the community and keep Yolobus operators safe.  In an effort to comply with social distancing recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, beginning on April 2 until further notice, Yolobus is implementing rear-door boarding and exiting for its fixed-route services for all passengers able to board independently.  Only ADA passengers and riders needing assistance will be able to board through the front doors.  Due to the farebox location, all rides will be complimentary at this time.  Customers are strongly encouraged to stay or sit 6-feet from other passengers upon boarding.  Yolobus salutes its dedicated drivers, no matter the time, day, or conditions, Yolobus drivers are out on the roads daily, making sure customers get where they need to go.  Rear-door boarding helps bus operators to maintain social distancing.

“We are making every effort to keep essential transportation services available to the communities we serve,” states Terry Bassett, Executive Director of Yolobus. “We are extremely proud of our Yolobus operators, maintenance and operations personnel who have opted to continue to drive and work for us during the pandemic, helping customers access jobs, food, and other necessities allowed under the Governor’s call to shelter-in-place.”

In addition to its rider services, during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Yolobus is actively involved in the delivery of food boxes to over 100 homeless individuals temporarily housed in motels in Woodland, Davis, and West Sacramento under the shelter-in-place order.  The effort is in coordination with Yolo Food Bank, Yolo County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), and the Health and Human Services Agency.

During the pandemic, Yolobus Special paratransit services has stepped up to temporarily provide rides to seniors who were using Woodland’s Community Care Car, a non-profit transportation provider, which is not not operating at this moment due to COVID-19.  Service to seniors within Woodland will be provided for essential trips on a space-available basis.  Woodland seniors are encouraged to call (530) 666-2877 for more information and to request transportation services.  All Yolobus Special and YOUR Ride services will be fare- free and available until further notice.

For their hard work all year long, Yolobus acknowledges its more than 75 transit drivers, safely operating extra-large vehicles through tight roadways, unpredictable traffic, and ever-changing road conditions.  Be sure to give a wave or air-high-five to show appreciation to Yolobus operators!

Riders can contact Yolobus customer service by emailing [email protected], or by calling (530) 666-2877, for more information and trip planning assistance.  Yolobus schedule information is available at: http://yolobus.com/news/index.php/613

 

On March 23, Yolobus and Transdev, the agency’s bus contractor, reduced service to a Saturday schedule with some expanded bus service on specific routes. Operation continues because many essential workers use Yolobus to get to jobs and others depend on bus service for essential travel included in the COVID-19 shelter-in-place mandates to secure food, health care, meals, safety, and medical necessities. 

Yolobus operates 45 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, 6 highway coaches powered by clean diesel fuel that is highly refined to improve combustion efficiency and reduce harmful emissions, and 9 clean diesel cutaway vehicles that offer curb-to-curb paratransit service. Yolobus serves Davis, West Sacramento, Winters, Woodland, downtown Sacramento, Sacramento International Airport, Cache Creek Casino Resort, Esparto, Madison, Dunnigan, and Knights Landing, and connects to Unitrans and Fairfield-Suisun Transit in Davis, and Sac RT buses and light rail in Sacramento. A limited on-demand pilot program for Knights Landing residents was introduced in August 2019. The agency provides over 1.2 million rides a year. For route and schedule information visit www.yolobus.com or call (530) 666-BUSS (2877).