Mountain Line Revised Schedules and Policies for Pandemic Response

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FLAGSTAFF, AZ (March 27, 2020) – Based on the City of Flagstaff’s Proclamation of the Mayor issued on March 16 and updated on March 26, Mountain Line is implementing reduced service levels and several revised policies and procedures, effective indefinitely.

Public transit remains a critical lifeline during crisis events, connecting workers to the jobs that support community needs, and residents to health care and medical needs. In order to balance the need to protect Mountain Line employees while providing a vital public service, the following changes will start on March 21:

  • Mountain Line bus and paratransit services will operate its weekend schedule seven days a week from March 21 – April 1.
  • All Mountain Line bus and paratransit services will be fare-free to reduce driver exposure by removing the contact point presented with the exchange and verification of fare.
  • Current Mountain Line passholders will be able to receive an extension on their pass for the period the system is fare-free. Details will be communicated as the fare-free period ends.
  • To promote social distancing for Mountain Line drivers, all riders will be asked to board and alight the bus at the rear doors. Anyone requiring the ramp can still board through the front door.
  • The Mountain Line headquarters facility at 3773 N. Kaspar Dr. will be closed to the public and no guests will be allowed on property. Because the system will be fare-free, this eliminates the need for public pass sales, and alternate plans are being made for all other services provided to the public at the Front Desk. Customer service via phone will still be available on weekdays from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 928-779-6624.
  • Apart from items of value (cell phones, keys, jewelry, etc.), Lost and Found items will not be kept and will be disposed of daily. Items of value will be turned over to the Flagstaff Police Department daily. The handling, storage, and retrieval of Lost and Found items is another significant point of exposure for Mountain Line staff, and one that is necessary to eliminate during this time period. Riders are highly encouraged to keep track of their belongings and check their seat area before leaving the bus.
  • Mountain Line is here to serve people who need us to get to essential services and jobs. To promote social distancing, those who have other options or are taking a non-essential trip are asked to not use the bus right now. All riders must have a trip purpose and those who do not have a destination will not be allowed to board.

Additional school-related service reductions:

  • Due to NAU’s announcement regarding classes being conducted online through the spring semester, Route 10 will remain on a holiday/break schedule with buses running every 20 minutes until the fall semester begins in August 2020.
  • As long as K-12 schools are closed (through March 27, 2020 as of right now), the deviations on Routes 2 and 3 and the Route 5 supplemental bus will not operate.

Additional internal policy and procedure revisions are being implemented to support Mountain Line staff during this time. Surplus staff will be used to provide a higher level of cleaning and sanitation to all Mountain Line bus and paratransit vehicles throughout the day.

Mountain Line is the transit agency in northern Arizona operating fixed route bus service on nine routes, paratransit service, vanpool, and seasonal Mountain Express service to Arizona Snowbowl.