Studies show riding transit during a pandemic is safe
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Several recent studies show that it's largely safe to take public transportation when riders use basic safety precautions. Scientists believe it's because many public transit vehicles are relatively uncrowded and well-ventilated. And most passenger trips are too short for them to inhale the high concentration of aerosols necessary for virus transmission. Many transit agencies, including VRT, are also requiring passengers to wear masks. To date, no COVID-19 infection clusters in the U.S. have been attributed to use of public transportation.
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1A discusses the health of public transportation systems
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Across the US, public transportation is facing a shortage of funds and an uncertain future. Hear more about the challenges this is providing frontline workers and measures being taken by the federal and local governments to keep transit afloat in this recent episode of 1A. Guests include Laura Bliss from CityLab and Pat Foye from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
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VRT wants to hear your input on State Street transit options
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In an effort to help improve services on State Street between Whitewater Park Boulevard and Main Street Station, VRT is asking for public input through an online survey.
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Bus service in Canyon County is now on-demand
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Riding the bus in Canyon County is now easier than ever with VRT OnDemand, a new book-when-needed bus service. As the Treasure Valley's newest public transportation service, VRT OnDemand provides riders with a safe, convenient, and affordable option to get where they need to go, when they need to. VRT OnDemand allows passengers to book a ride through the "VRT OnDemand" mobile app (available on Google Play and the App Store), get picked up by VRT buses, and arrive at many more destinations across Canyon County.
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Boise State is seeking input on the future of University Drive
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The university is evaluating concepts to reallocate the existing roadway space along University Drive between Chrisway Drive and Lincoln Avenue to address increased bicycle and pedestrian use, as well as enhanced transit facilities.
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Looking for a safe and festive holiday activity?
Explore all the holiday sights of downtown Boise with a new interactive holiday walking guide from City Go.
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Find ideas for tasty food recommendations, ideas for where to find that last-minute gift, and how to spot the most festive places downtown. Snap a selfie of your stroll and send it via direct message to City Go on Instagram (@CityGoBoise) through December 22 and be entered to win prizes from downtown businesses.
Local influencers have also provided their own holiday walking routes. Check out the must-see lists from Traveling Spud and Boise's Best Bites!
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Experts recommend limiting holiday travel
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If your holiday plans include visiting friends or family, you might want to consider staying close to home instead. Idaho has now surpassed 126,000 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases and local health experts are advising Idahoans to limit holiday travel. Dr. David Pate, retired CEO of St. Luke's Health Systems, recommends that anyone traveling over the holidays or hosting a traveler should get tested and limit their interaction with others regardless of the test result. To help reduce the number of hospitalizations, he also suggests limiting gatherings and continuing to wear masks and practice social distancing.
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What safety measures are happening across shared transportation?
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Valley Regional Transit:
- Drivers and riders are required to wear masks.
- Staff will continue to wipe down the inside of the buses between trips.
- Every in-service bus is cleaned and disinfected every night.
- Cleaning crews are paying special attention to frequently touched areas, like handrails and seat backs, and utilizing foggers to treat the insides of the buses.
- Riders are asked to sit as far apart from other riders as possible.
- Riders are asked not to use public transit if sick or have recently been sick.
- Both Main Street Station in downtown Boise and Happy Day Transit Center in Caldwell are open.
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Club Red:
- Vans are sanitized and are equipped with medical-grade disinfectant.
- Vans may run with as few as 3 passengers for the time being to allow distance between riders.
- Riders are asked to sit as far apart from other riders as possible.
- Riders are asked to practice good hygiene, wash hands, and/or use sanitizer before entering the van
- Riders are required to wear a face-covering while riding in vans
- If you need a face-covering, please contact Commuteride at 208-345-7665.
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Boise State Bronco Shuttle:
Please note the following service updates during Winter Break (December 14th through January 9th):
- The shuttles will operate on a reduced schedule with a suspension of service from December 24th through January 1st.
- Blue On-campus Shuttle will run 7:00am - 5:00pm Monday through Friday.*
- Orange Downtown Shuttle will run 7:00am - 5:30pm Monday through Friday.*
*All schedules are subject to change. For the latest updates visit the link below.
Bronco Shuttle Rules:
- Riders are responsible for their personal safety.
- Riders must wear a cloth face-covering at all times.
- No food or drinks allowed on the shuttle.
- No more than 10 passengers are allowed in a shuttle at any time.
- Riders are asked to space themselves out and to not sit on seats with an ‘X’.
- Riders will occasionally be asked to exit and transfer to another shuttle for COVID-19 cleaning protocols.
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How are communities doing around the Valley?
As of December 17, there are 126,878 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state of Idaho. The following is the latest report from Central Health District and Southwest District Health for Ada and Canyon counties. (Data current as of 12/17/20.)
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Confirmed |
Probable |
Combined |
Deaths |
| Ada County |
28,635 |
4,557 |
33,192 |
292 |
| Canyon County |
16,723 |
2,243 |
18,966 |
195 |
| Total |
45,358 |
6,800 |
52,158 |
487 |
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Rider safety tip of the week:
The test of time isn’t enough
If you're showing symptoms, get tested before going out.
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