Putnam Restores Transit As Outbreak Continues To Subside

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — Putnam County's public transit system began again Monday after having been shut down at the height of the new coronavirus pandemic.

The county's dashboard shows that the outbreak continues to subside. No one was hospitalized in the week ending June 25. The number of cumulative confirmed cases rose by 14 to 1,499 from 1,485 as of June 12.

The county will maintain the regular schedules for Putnam Area Rapid Transit, which includes four fixed routes, complimentary ParaTransit, and the Croton Falls Commuter Shuttle, and which can be found on the county website.

Managers were there to welcome the bus drivers in the early morning and mid-day shifts. It is terrific for the transit riders that service is restored and the dedicated team at MV Transit is happy to return to work, county officials said.

Because the outbreak continues in New York, albeit at much lower rates than the rest of the country, the transit system will follow pandemic protocols.

Different buses will be used on different shifts and will be cleaned and sanitized after each shift to ensure public health and stop the spread of COVID-19. All passengers and drivers are required to wear face masks when on board.

Strict adherence to properly wearing the face mask is something that will be necessary, not just as a chin guard, but as a full mouth and nose cover. The safety team will periodically monitor and refuse service to all those who do not abide by the rules.

Thank you to all who endured the inconvenience and realize if we follow the rules, we will beat the pandemic and remain healthy, county officials said.