As restrictions ease on public interaction and businesses gradually reopen, organizations are preparing to operate under a new environment created by the coronavirus pandemic.
Mass transit is among the numerous services working toward a return to regular operations.
The South Shore Line, operated by the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District, which provides rail service between Millennium Station in downtown Chicago and the South Bend International Airport, launched Sanitized for Rider Safety, a new cleaning program, which includes thorough sanitization procedures, safety recommendations for riders, and new resources such as hand sanitizing stations. The initiative places priority on the safety of passengers and employees, NICTD said.
Sanitized for Rider Safety seals will be visible in stations and train cars within the next several weeks, NICTD said.
“We want our riders and crews to know that we have their safety at the forefront of our service,” said Michael Noland, president of South Shore Line. “We know that health and safety concerns are now at the top of everyone’s minds, and we are hoping that the SSL can offer peace of mind as riders start and end their days with us.”
SSL sanitization procedures include disinfecting seats, windows, crash pads, handrails, door handles, head rests and grab handles. Each train car is mopped with a stringent disinfectant and specialized equipment “fogs train cars with disinfectant,” NICTD said.
Passengers are encouraged to use hand sanitization stations available on each train car as well as respect the personal space of all passengers, NICTD said. Passengers also are required to wear face masks while in stations and while aboard trains.
