The initiatives to relax measures are now joined by SEPTA, which is removing its capacity restrictions that have been implemented due to the pandemic starting Tuesday, June 1.
SEPTA says the decision to limit on the number of customers allowed on all its vehicles is being made “as COVID-19 cases across the region drop, more people get vaccinated, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the City of Philadelphia ease indoor capacity related restrictions .”
🆕 Effective June 1, #SEPTA will lift passenger capacity limits on vehicles that were put into place at the start of the #COVID19 pandemic. Mask requirements for customers and employees will remain in place until further notice: https://t.co/smkTxiMmMv @SEPTAPHILLY @SEPTA_SOCIAL pic.twitter.com/1y2EmY7jIs
— SEPTA Media Relations (@SEPTANews) May 17, 2021
As reported by 6abc Action News, SEPTA said the removal of its capacity restrictions is an effort to support other city decisions aimed to a gradual reopening. “This decision is part of our ongoing efforts to support the region’s recovery as businesses and government agencies announce return to office plans for employees, students resume in-person classes, and capacity limits are eased for stores and restaurants,” SEPTA says.
However, the organization says it will continue to follow TSA and CDC mandates and guidelines that require customers to wear a mask or face covering when traveling on public transportation. And besides the requirement of wearing a mask, SEPTA officials say they continue to urge riders to practice safe hygiene to stop the spread of germs.
Upgraded air filters
According to SEPTA, its vehicles are cleaned daily and they receive an intense detailed heavy cleaning every 10 days. They are well ventilated with air change occurring on every vehicle every two to three minutes. Additionally it is upgrading to high-efficiency cabin air filters on its vehicles.
You can read: SEPTA Key Card Travel Wallet to replace paper tickets
But not only the removal of capacity restrictions will bring more efficiency to its operations, SEPTA recently launched a tool offering customers seat availability information for buses.
“This trip planning resource also provides a snapshot of the number of seats and riders on a given vehicle. In the coming months this feature will be expanded to cover all modes of service including the Market Frankford, Broad Street and Norristown Lines, Regional Rail and Trolleys,” SEPTA says.
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