Public Transit: A Lifeline for Communities Throughout COVID-19

Throughout this pandemic crisis, public transportation continues to be a lifeline for riders taking essential trips. Transit agencies have been responding innovatively every day to provide service while protecting their operators on the front-line and making an impact in their communities.

Transit is a critical service in need of support, but the general public, and elected officials, cannot support what they don’t realize is happening. For example, Laketran, the public transit agency in Lake County, is helping provide temporary relief to seniors by delivering groceries through a partnership with the other county agencies and the local United Way. Stories like those of COTA bus driver Jamal Raglin share the names and faces of the everyday heroes operating public transit during the crisis, and demonstrate the outsized role they play in the pandemic response. That is why Transportation for America is calling for bus riders and operators to share their experiences and demonstrate the day-to-day actions of agencies during the pandemic.

Getting essential employees to work and connecting riders to medical services has never been more critical to aiding in the success of a comprehensive public health response. If you are a transit agency, a vehicle operator, or a rider utilizing transit during the pandemic, consider sharing your story to capture the impact of public transit during the pandemic.

Share your experience with Transportation for America by filling out this form or emailing info@t4america.org to schedule a time to talk over the phone.