For Immediate Release
May 13, 2021

Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) announces that Fairfax Connector has joined the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Health and Safety Commitments Program, the public transportation industry’s pledge that public transit systems are taking all the necessary measures to operate safely as the nation recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are signing on to APTA’s Health and Safety Commitments Program with more than 200 public transit systems throughout the country,” said Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay. “Together with the public transit industry, Fairfax County is actively working to instill confidence in our regional transportation system and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to protecting the health and safety of our residents and customers who rely on our transit system during this difficult time and into the future. This confidence will be critical to economic recovery both now and in the long term as Fairfax County continues to commit to public transit to relieve congestion and reduce our carbon footprint.”

APTA’s Health and Safety Commitments Program was developed based on research into what would make public transportation users feel more confident riding transit as the nation continues to recover.

“The health and safety of Fairfax Connector passengers and transit employees, who provide essential transportation service daily to our community, continues to be our top priority,” said Dwayne Pelfrey, chief of the Transit Services Division of FCDOT. “A key component of this program is the shared responsibility of our transit agency and our passengers. The pandemic has shown how essential public transportation is in keeping our communities functioning and helping with our economic recovery. By jointly committing to this program with our customers, we ensure our community is moving forward safely together.”   

Fairfax Connector operations contractor Transdev will continue to implement the following steps to maintain a safe and healthy environment for Fairfax Connector passengers and personnel:

• Maintain cleaning protocols based on guidance from local, state and federal public health officials.
• Increase vehicle cleaning frequencies with a special focus on bus interiors and critical touchpoints such as door handles, handrails and other surfaces. These cleanings  incorporate disinfection procedures indicated to be effective against COVID-19.
• Initiate regular communication with Fairfax Connector workforce to keep employees informed about the virus and provide guidance to prevent the spread of illness.

Fairfax Connector passengers are reminded that the most effective way to prevent the spread of illnesses is to follow the below recommendations from public health officials and other authorities: 

• Passengers must wear a mask or a face covering when taking public transit or visiting a transit hub in Fairfax County, as mandated by federal law. This safety measure, which has been in place on board Fairfax Connector buses since May 2020, aims to protect passengers and bus operators during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This requirement also aligns with the federal order issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a passenger is not wearing a mask or a face covering when entering a Fairfax Connector bus, one will be provided, if available.
• If you are not feeling well or have symptoms of illness, please stay home and avoid taking public transportation. Fairfax County health officials offer steps to take at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/novel-coronavirus.
• Stay home if you have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 or if you are awaiting your own COVID-19 test results.
  • Practice social distancing while on the bus by staying 6 feet away from others, if possible.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick.

Stay Engaged with Fairfax Connector

For updates on Fairfax Connector service; information on specific routes; and for system-wide safety information, passengers can: 

• Sign-up for BusTracker email or text alerts, or visit www.fairfaxconnector.com.
• Call customer service at 703-339-7200, TTY 703-339-1608;
• Mon - Fri 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sat - Sun 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Se habla Español.
• Send an email to the team at Fairfaxconnector@fairfaxcounty.gov
• Engage us on Facebook or Twitter.

 Ways to Stay Informed About COVID-19 in Fairfax County

• Call the Health Department Call Center at 703-267-3511 with Coronavirus questions. Both call centers are open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
• Text FFXCOVID to 888777 to receive updates from Fairfax County about COVID-19; text FFXCOVIDESP to 888777 for updates in Spanish.
• Email questions or concerns to ffxcovid@fairfaxcounty.gov. This email account will be staffed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. through 6 p.m.
• Visit a web portal for coronavirus that serves as a one-stop online resource for information.
• If you have questions about COVID-19 vaccines and registration, please call 703-324-7404.
• Learn more about COVID-19 on the Health Department Coronavirus (COVID-19) Webpage or FAQ page.
• Follow the Fairfax County Government Facebook Page and Health Department Facebook Page.
• Follow @fairfaxcounty and @fairfaxhealth on Twitter

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