Port Authority to disinfect vehicles every 24 hours

Port Authority of Allegheny County said it is now disinfecting its buses and light-rail train cars every 24 hours.

The announcement came just hours after two confirmed cases of covid-19 were announced in Pittsburgh.

“I have observed firsthand Port Authority’s ability to overcome adversity during challenging times, and I know we will do everything possible to continue to watch out for our riders and for each other,” Port Authority CEO Katharine Kelleman said in a statement.

We will immediately begin disinfecting vehicles every 24 hours following today's announcement of two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Allegheny County.

— Port Authority PGH (@PGHtransit) March 14, 2020

There are no plans for operational changes at this time, according to a news release.

However, if the pandemic affects the transportation service’s workforce, the authority may need to reduce service.

Health officials recommend those experiencing symptoms of covid-19 — such as fever, coughing and shortness of breath — avoid public areas, including transit.

“Even with increased cleaning, the inescapable reality is that the surfaces of a newly cleaned bus or rail car can no longer be assumed sanitary after passengers have climbed aboard,” Kelleman said. “But doing simple things like washing our hands and social distancing will have the greatest impact protecting ourselves, our families and our communities.”