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MTM Transit Talks COVID-19 Transit Safety

Welcome to MTM Transit Talks, where we’re bringing you monthly posts from our Chief Operating Officer Brian Balogh! Every month, Brian will discuss all things safety, transportation, sustainability, and much more. August kicks off this new series with a discussion related to transit safety and current COVID-19 transit safety guidelines. Here’s what he has to say:

 


 

During uncertain times come many questions and few answers. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world in many ways, including that of transportation. Questions of health and safety raced through MTM Transit, making it even more so a number one priority in our offices and out in the field.

We continue to strive to make our offices, vehicles, employees, and transit users as safe as possible by staying up-to-date on the latest COVID-19 information and guidelines, including those around variant strains like Delta. Mandates like masks and social distancing are still in practice in our offices and in the field. Regardless of whether or not you are vaccinated, wearing a mask can be the difference in not only protecting yourself, but others around you.

There are several pieces of evidence supporting the efficacy of masks. According to a study done at the University of California, San Francisco, an experiment using high-speed video found that hundreds of droplets were generated when saying even a simple phrase. These droplets were blocked by the simple use of a wet piece of cloth. Another study compared current research to that of past pandemics, including influenza and the common cold, and found wearing surgical masks “significantly reduced the amount of these respiratory viruses emitted in droplets and aerosols.”

As safety stays a hot topic in the MTM Transit offices, our leadership team continues to stay on top of the current guidelines. We host weekly stand-ups to review updated state mandates and division protocols, and ensure that all offices are compliant with directives like social distancing and PPE (personal protective equipment). The offices work closely with our clients and local teams to inspect and ensure that proper signage is in place and that PPE continues to be used.

MTM Transit’s focus on safety extends well beyond just driving the vehicle. It also includes maintenance, ergonomics, and health and welfare. Our focus on COVID-19 protocols supports our commitment to the health of our employees nationwide. Making sure our valued employees stay comfortable during the pandemic is another large effort for our team. Safety starts with education and awareness, which is why MTM Transit offers de-escalation training to ensure that the front line workers are equipped to address any potential challenges with regard to mask use and other current mandates.

I’m proud to support my team and the current CDC guidelines in my personal life as well. I strive to follow guidelines 100% of the time. With recent outbreaks, even though I have been vaccinated, I exercise extra caution in both my personal and professional life by wearing a mask in crowded indoor environments like grocery stores and gas stations. While it may be a minor inconvenience, it could make a life changing difference.

MTM Transit has continued to do what we can to keep safety, specifically safety related to the pandemic, a high priority. Click here to read more about our current safety practices, and to keep up-to-date on current COVID-19 and variant safety measures.

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