Bus Operations Emergency Updates

I’m feeling very optimistic right now. Baseball season is around the corner. Daylight savings is here. The economy is opening up. And most importantly, our fight against COVID-19 is trending in the right direction. But there’s still a lot of progress to be made, and we still need to follow all the safety protocols that we’ve been very good at doing for the past year.

The safety of our employees is always the top priority. Our Human Resources team has taken it to the next level with on-site vaccines, testing program and keeping us up to date on current cases. Here are a few things I’d like to remind you about as we move forward:

The vaccine appointment system is going strong. Yesterday we vaccinated more than 200 employees with our on-site vaccine program. I was vaccinated last week. And I encourage every employee to get vaccinated. MTS received 600 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine with more on the way.

COVID testing – please continue to be tested. There are still many employees who need to get fully vaccinated or have yet received their first dose. We still have on-site COVID-19 testing available and everyone should still be tested once a week.

New MTS employee COVID-19 cases. Since the February 17 update, there have been only 8 new cases for MTS (184 total cases) and 4 new cases for contractors (177 total cases). While these numbers are encouraging, we shouldn’t let down our guard. Keep wearing a mask, practice social distancing and wash your hands frequently.

Return to Work is happening. As I mentioned last week in the CEO Exchange, I’d like to remind everyone we are drafting a return to work plan for employees who have been working from home. We look forward to having everyone back (even if it’s a phased approach to start) in the office in the coming months!

Have a great rest of your week.

Sharon

3/22/2021 - Vaccination Clinics

3/12/2021 - Public Transportation Workers Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine

2/17/2021 – As of January 28, MTS (including contractors) has had 35 new positive cases.

To date totals:

MTS: 176 total cases

Contractors: 173 total cases

MTS continues to take as many precautions as possible to help keep employees and riders safe. Buses and Trolley are sanitized each night after service. Face coverings are required while using the system and should completely cover the nose and mouth. MTS is operating at pre-COVID service levels to allow passengers to practice social distancing when possible while riding. More information about MTS cleaning procedures can be found here.

Please visit this page for updates.

1/19/2021 - COVID-19 Training for On-Site Employees

1/15/2021 - Employee COVID Testing

11/20/2020 - CEO Exchange Invitation

10/12/20 - MTS Connections

10/2/2020 - CEO Update

8/14/2020 - CEO Update

8/7/2020 - CEO Update

7/29/2020 - CEO Update

7/1/2020 - MTS, in collaboration with Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI), will participate in a study called “DETECT,” which aims to use smartwatch (e.g., Fitbit, Apple Watch, etc.) biometrics (physical body measurements such as heart rate, pulse, temperature, sleep patterns, etc.) to study early detection of viruses (e.g., Flu, COVID‐19).

Approximately 400 MTS employees who agree to participate in the study and do not already own a smartwatch will receive a free Fitbit so they can participate.

Memo (Updated)

Enrollment Instructions

Enrollment Screenshot

5/14/2020 - Since last week three MTS employees (one IAD bus operator and two IAD maintenance department) and two Transdev employees (a bus operator and a bus trainee in the South Bay division) have tested positive for COVID-19. MTS and Transdev conducted an investigation into who had contact with the employees. Everyone has been notified and appropriate actions taken. Thankfully, all employees have been wearing masks, which limits the chance for exposure.

There have now been 16 people employed directly or indirectly by MTS that have tested positive. Of those, five have fully recovered and are back at work. The number of people who have tested positive is very small compared to our workforce of about 2,750. Keep up the good work. Wear masks. Wash your hands. Keep your distance.

5/10/2020 We are shocked and saddened to announce the passing of MTS CEO Paul Jablonski. Paul passed suddenly on Sunday, May 10. He is survived by his wife, four children and grandchildren.

Paul dedicated more than 40 years of his life to working in transit, including 16 years here at MTS.

His leadership will be greatly missed.

Deputy Executive Officer Sharon Cooney will serve as the interim chief executive officer.

5/6/20 COVID-19 Benefits and Attendance Policy Update

5/6/20 COVID-19 Benefits Resources - UPDATED

5/6/20 COVID-19 Emergency Leave Form - UPDATED 1/28/21

5/6/20 ICMA Withdrawal Form

5/5/20 - Three MTS contractors – a Transdev driver, a Transdev trainer, and a TSS Officer -- have tested positive for COVID-19 since Friday, May 1. Transdev is conducting an investigation to see if other employees had close contact. The TSS officer tested positive and it was determined that he was not in close contact with other employees. There have now been a total of 11 people employed or contracted by MTS that have tested positive. Of those, five have fully recovered and are back at work.

4/30/20 CEO Update

4/27/20 Use of Leave Policy

4/21/20 - A Code Compliance Inspector tested positive for COVID-19 on April 21st after first having the symptoms on April 18th. The employee had been off work for the previous 10 days and had no close contact with any other MTS employee.

4/15/20 CEO Update

4/8/20 Questions and Answers Regarding COVID-19 Crisis

4/8/20 COVID-19 Emergency Leave Request Form

4/8/20 CEO Update

4/7/20 CEO Update

4/2/20 COVID-19 Emergency Leave Policy - REVISED

4/2/20 FFCRA Employee Rights Poster

4/1/20 HR FAQs

3/31/20 CEO Update