RMTD’S RESPONSE TO COVID-19 VIRUS & COVID ROUTES & SCHEDULES
As of April 19, 2022 the Federal Mask Mandate has been lifted and many of the COVID restrictions are now behind us. To say that the last 2 years have been challenging would be a huge understatement. RMTD wishes to thank our staff and passengers for their ongoing patience and support thru these trying times. We truly were all in it together, and together we are starting to pull thru. Thank you!
PLEASE NOTE THAT EFFECTIVE TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022 THE FEDERAL MASK MANDATE HAS BEEN LIFTED. IT IS NO LONGER REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK ON AN RMTD BUS OR IN OUR TRANSFER CENTERS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION OVER THIS PAST 2 YEAR JOURNEY
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT AS OF JANUARY 29, 2021, IT IS NOW A FEDERAL REQUIREMENT THAT ALL PERSONS USING PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION MUST WEAR A MASK AT ALL TIMES. PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED FLYER FROM THE TSA ON THIS POLICY.
NOTE: This requirement has been extended to April 18, 2022.
How Distancing Can Bring Us Back Together
Social Distancing, the widely-adopted method of maintaining a minimum six feet between persons – is a new concept introduced to the public during the Coronavirus pandemic and adopted and enforced by RMTD.
In 2020, to ensure social distancing was maintained on our vehicles, RMTD reduced its weekday service. From April to August, instead of the 18 daily fixed routes, RMTD ran its 5 night routes during the day along with supplementary shuttle buses to insure those who absolutely needed to ride had a means to do so. Night service was also originally suspended but was eventually brought back in July, 2021 to the relief of many of our riders when routes were fully restored to their original order.
RMTD is continuing other rigorous safety measures in 2021 including its use of personal protective equipment to ensure the safety of our staff. Our commitment to the safety of our staff, riders and community remains our first priority at all times. Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have required riders and drivers to wear masks, and masks have been provided to riders and staff on an ongoing basis.
Bus cleanliness is also a high priority at RMTD. Additional staff was hired in our maintenance department to assist with cleaning and disinfecting each vehicle during service each day and at the end of shifts. Hand sanitizer stations were installed on all of our vehicles and RMTD recently invested in ionization disinfection systems for all 40 fixed route buses in our fleet. We also installed plexiglass barriers around the driver’s area and limited ridership to ten at a time.
Finally, RMTD distributed gloves and sanitizer to all staff members requesting such equipment. Employee daily temperature checks are now the norm and any employee wishing to have an N95 mask is encouraged to contact our HR department to schedule a fitting at no cost to the employee. RMTD has and will do everything in its power to keep you safe while on the road less traveled. There is nothing we want more than to bring you back to the things you value in life – safely.
Route And Schedules COVID Routes No Longer in Effect.
NOTE: As of 1.1.2022 RMTD is running its regularly published routes and schedules and has added an additional of hour of service at the start and end of the weekday service.
This service will run on 30 minute headways from 8:45 am thru 5:15 pm, Monday thru Friday. Saturday service starts at 6:15 am and runs hourly thru 5:15.
This service will run on 30 minute headways from 7:45 am thru 5:15 pm, Monday thru Friday. Saturday service starts at 6:15 am. On Saturdays, we will also start running on 30 minute headways at 8:15 am.
This service will run on 30 minute headways from 8:45 am thru 5:15 pm, Monday thru Friday. Saturday service starts at 6:15 am and runs hourly thru 5:15.
This service will run on 30 minute headways from 8:45 am thru 5:15 pm, Monday thru Friday. Saturday service starts at 6:15 am and runs hourly thru 5:15.
This service will run on 30 minute headways from 8:45 am thru 5:15 pm, Monday thru Friday. Saturday service starts at 6:15 am and runs hourly thru 5:15. NOTE: This route will deviate, upon request, to Bergstrom Mfg. Monday thru Friday. This route will also deviate to Amazon on Sundays at 9:42 and 4:42. Please let the driver know as you board the bus. Also YOU MUST REMEMBER TO CALL 815.961.9000 TO HAVE THE BUS DEVIATE TO PICK YOU UP FOR THE RETURN TRIP.
NOTE: Effective Monday, January 25, 2021 the North Loop will make the following route change: from Riverside, Right on Bell School to Swedish American Cancer Center, L onto drive, circle out and turn Right on Bell School and Right on Riverside, and continue route. This route will also start at 6:30 am on Saturdays effective the week of 2.7.21
NOTE: Effective Monday, January 25, 2021 the South Loop will make the following route change: from Riverside, Right on Bell School to Swedish American Cancer Center, L onto drive, circle out and turn Right on Bell School, Right on Riverside, and continue route. This route will also start at 6:25 am on Saturdays effective the week of 2.7.21
Note: Saturday service starts at 6:45 on this route
Note: Saturday service starts at 7:30 on this route
Note: Saturday service starts at 8:15
Note: Saturday service starts at 9:30
RMTD’s RESPONSE TO COVID-19
RMTD Resumes Regular Service August 3, 2020
EFFECTIVE 7.13.2020 RMTD to Service RVC Campus
Effective Monday, July 13, 2020, RMTD will once again be servicing the RVC South lot bus shelters with the City Loops. The campus is open now therefore RMTD will be stopping at the shelters on Spring Brook Road.
RMTD TO RE-INSTATE NIGHT SERVICE 6.1.2020
Rockford Mass Transit will re-instate its Night Service schedule effective Monday, June 1, 2020. For more information, please click below. There are no other changes at this time.
Please refer to the night route maps and timetables as found on this web site. https://rmtd.org/travel-information/routes-maps/
RMTD EXTENDS SERVICE HOURS EFFECTIVE JUNE 15, 2020
As of Monday, June 15, 2020, the Rockford Mass Transit District will be adding additional service to its temporary COVID-19 service reduction schedule. Effective June 15th, the following changes will go into effect:
These additions are a result of RMTD’s continued efforts to re-introduce service in a sustainable manner while maintaining social distancing measures. RMTD hopes to resume its full, regular schedule soon. Thank you for your patience.
- The core weekday route structure, consisting of routes #41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 will now begin service an hour earlier at 5:15 a.m. instead of 6:15 a.m. See new timetables below
- In addition to the core service, the #6 Kilburn will also start at 6:00 a.m., Monday thru Friday
- The #6 Kilburn will also be added to the Saturday schedule beginning at 8:15 a.m.
- The #16 and #17 modified City Loops North and South will start earlier at 6:30 and 6:35 a.m. respectively during the week and at 8:20 a.m. on Saturdays
- The #22 N. Second Street route will run Monday thru Fridays starting at 6:48 a.m. and on Saturdays starting at 9:48 a.m.
- Night service and Sunday service will remain unchanged.
42 – E. State 61520 – NOTE: the 515 East State run will only make the following stops: E. State & 2nd 5:20 am, E. State and Lynmar 5:28 am, Forest Plaza 5:35 am, Walmart 5:40 am, Schnucks 5:47 am, OSF Strathmoor 554 am, E. State & Summit 6:00 am. All other runs will follow previously published #42 schedule.
RMTD MAKING SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO ROUTES EFFECTIVE 6:15 A.M. MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2020
RMTD is making significant changes to its routes effective Monday, April 20, 2020. Maps and timetables are below. Please note that on Saturday and Sunday we will only run routes 41, 42, 43, 44 and 45 from 9:15 am until 5:15pm.
Temporary Route Updates
#41 Auburn Rockton:
#42 East State Street:
#43 West State Clifton:
#44 Harrison Alpine:
45 Kishwaukee 7th Street:
#6 Kilburn:
#16 City Loop North:
#17 City Loop South:
This route will leave N. Towne at 4:45 and become the N36 Temporary route for an extra hour of service
#20 Alpine Crosstown:
#22 North Second Street:
#36 Perryville Temporary Route:
Note, this route starts an hour earlier starting at Rockford Career College until further notice
Updated Executive Order as of 4.23.2020
RMTD REQUIRING EVERYONE TO MASK UP
As of Monday, 4/20/2020 everyone on RMTD property or on an RMTD vehicle will be required to wear a mask of some type. The ask can be any type of mask as long as it covers both the nose and mouth. If you are a passenger and do not wear a mask you will not be allowed to board the vehicle. For your health and safety and for the health and safety of our team, we asking that you all mask up! Thanks you.
Helpful Guidance on Masking Up
as of 4/9/2020 There is a lot of talk these days on whether wearing a mask is effective or not. Here are two links that may prove helpful in making a personal determination.
- https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
Please note that RMTD encourages everyone to shelter in place as much as possible as the main fight against the spread of this disease. However, if you do have to go out for an essential purpose, we think it is helpful to wear a mask for your own personal protection. Please help in the fight against this disease and Stay Put and Mask Up if you have to go out.
RMTD EXTENDS FREE RIDES UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
UPDATE: As of 3/30/2020, please be advised that RMTD is waiving fares on fixed route and paratransit service UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
COACH /USA VAN GALDER SUSPENDS ALL VAN GALDER BUS SERVICE
Effective Friday, April 3, 2020 all Van Galder service to O’Hare, and downtown Chicago has been cancelled until the end of April. Click here for more information. https://rmtd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Van-Galder-Services-Cancelled.png
RMTD DOWNTOWN TRANSFER CENTER CLOSED TO WAITING PASSENGERS.
Please also note that effective Monday, 3/30/2020, the RMTD Downtown Transfer Center will be closed to passengers waiting for buses. The Center will be open for transit business, vending and restrooms, however, once these actions are completed, passengers will be asked to wait outside for their bus.
AS OF MARCH 20, 2020 …
In keeping with the Governor’s request to shelter in place until April 7th, RMTD is extending its free rides until that time also. Please remember that the request stresses everyone stay put and only venture out for essential services only such as medical appointments and grocery shopping. Help stop the spread of the disease and stay put.
FACT SHEET EXPLAINING GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDER OF 3.20.2020
On Friday, March 20,2020 Governor Pritzker issued the Executive Order amping up the order to shelter in place. While transit is still considered an essential service, the Governor and RMTD request that our riders stay put, stay home to stay healthy as much as possible. The following Fact Sheet should help to clarify the Governor’s request. https://rmtd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Stay-at-Home-EO-FAQ_.pdf
Here is a copy of the most recent Executive Order
https://rmtd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/EO-2020-10.pdf
REVISED VAN GALDER SCHEDULE
Due to the Corona virus and limited travel, VanGalder/Coach USA has implemented the following bus schedule: https://rmtd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/50059_VanGalder_RouteFlyer1.pdf
ROCKFORD MASS TRANSIT DISTRICT WAIVES FARES DURING COVID CRISIS – Updated 3.24.2020
Effective 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 and running thru end of business on Wednesday April 7, 2020, the Rockford Mass Transit District will be waiving all fares on all services in an effort to reduce surface contact with the fareboxes and increase more social distancing when boarding and alighting. This initiative also reduces cash and fare media interactions at our customer service windows at RMTD Transfer Centers.
The RMTD encourages all of its customers to follow the directive provided by the Winnebago County Health Department:
- STAY CALM: you are not alone in this, your community is here to support you. Talk to your friends and family and let them know if you are having concerns.
- STAY APART: Keep at least 6 feet away from others. Avoid lines, and gatherings in public places if at all possible
- STAY PUT: Keep non-essential trips to a minimum and reconsider your travel plans. Consider staying at home. Be mindful of those who are at greater risk for contracting this virus, including older adults and those with underlying health conditions.
For those transit dependent customers who must travel for essential trips such as employment, medical appointments and groceries, the fare elimination will help minimize surface contact. Also, fare elimination will enable passengers to access both driver and middle doors on the vehicle when boarding, thus minimizing lines and increasing space between riders and drivers. We continue to encourage riders to also utilize all the space on the vehicles including seats in the back and be mindful of social distancing and limit social interactions whenever possible.
The no fares policy applies to both RMTD Fixed Route service and RMTD Paratransit service. The waiving of fees is not intended encourage ridership at this time but instead ensure that those most dependent on our system have safe access to their critical trip making. Paratransit riders must still follow all other guidelines related to scheduling and/or cancelling their rides.
At the present time, RMTD has set an end date for fare waivers to be end of business on April 1, 2020. This policy will be monitored closely along with the other community health directives and may be changed or extended depending on other circumstances related to the COVID-19 virus. For more information, please call 815.961.9000.
COVID-19 OPEN MEETINGS ACT GUIDANCE
Safety Information
Rockford Mass Transit District places the safety and security of our staff and customers in the highest regard. To that end, we would first like to remind the public that there are several measures that individually one can take to assist in the spread of the COVID-19 virus:
- STAY CALM: you are not alone in this, your community is here to support you. Talk to your friends and family and let them know if you are having concerns.
- STAY APART: Keep at least 6 feet away from others. Avoid lines, and gatherings in public places if at all possible
- STAY PUT: Keep non-essential trips to a minimum and reconsider your travel plans. Consider staying at home. Be mindful of those who are at greater risk for contracting this virus, including older adults and those with underlying health conditions.
Call your healthcare provider if you experience fever, cough, and shortness of breath, (flu like symptoms), stay home. Call your healthcare provider and inform them of your symptoms before going to a healthcare facility.
If your circumstances require you to be out and about on public transportation, RMTD wants to inform our riders of the following extra precautionary measures the District is taking to help reduce the spread of COVID-19/coronavirus disease.
The interior hard surfaces of all RMTD vehicles are being cleaned nightly. RMTD is also using an airborne fogger to sanitize and deep clean our vehicles periodically with EPA approved products of the highest level. Our paratransit fleet is being addressed even more frequently than the fixed route vehicles due to the higher risk of our paratransit ridership.
The District is also maintaining a rigorous cleaning schedule of our facilities. RMTD has a cleaning service that cleans our public facilities nightly. Our Building Maintenance team is doing spot cleanings of hard surfaces and facilities during the day at regular intervals. We are encouraging Social Distancing in all of our facilities and remind our customers that in order to reduce exposure, our interior spaces are for official RMTD business only.
RMTD has made hand sanitizers and protective equipment available for employees who need it and we have has also posted reminders from the Center for Disease Control on what hygiene measures to take to further prevent the spread of disease. For more information, RMTD encourages visiting the following websites:
http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus
http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
For general questions about COVID-19, call the IDPH hotline at 1-800-889-3931