Fernanda Figueroa | THE RIDER
UTRGV Parking and Transportation Services will resume operations during the 2020 fall semester with measures in place to ensure the safety of drivers and riders amidst COVID-19.
“We realize that even though most of the classes will be online a lot of people will still need the services,” said Rodney Gomez, executive director of Parking and Transportation. “We do not want to leave anyone behind, but at the same time we want to provide a safe environment.”
Safety measures to be taken by UTRGV Parking and Transportation include:
— 50% capacity on vehicles
— Plexiglass barrier between driver and passengers
— Facial covering requirements to access vehicle
— Social distancing guidelines
— Sanitation schedule and
— Safety guideline reminders on vehicle exterior
Vaquero Express bus services on the Brownsville and Edinburg campuses will resume along with their connector routes to Starr County, Harlingen, Weslaco and McAllen. VOLT services will also resume on both campuses.
Parking and Transportation Services will follow UTRGV protocol if any driver tests positive for COVID-19 which includes, employee isolation, continued care with primary care provider and identification of any contact the individual has had.
“I trust our supervisors to keep us safe and that they will provide the PPE we need while we drive,” Eduardo Arteaga, a Vaquero Express driver said. “As long as everyone does their part … we might be slower but I’d rather everyone be safe.”
The department has also set guidelines to reprimand those who do not follow the set safety measures. First, no one will be allowed in the vehicle without a facial covering. Drivers have been trained to instruct passengers to wear their facial covering at all times and maintain social distancing guidelines. If these rules are not followed drivers have been instructed to inform their supervisors and the UTRGV Police department if necessary.
“I am afraid how students are going to react to how the school is handling [the situation],” said Kathia Rodriguez, an anthropology senior. “I am afraid whether or not they are going to abide by the regulations.”
UTRGV Parking and Transportation will release any schedule or route changes Monday.For updates visit https://www.utrgv.edu/parking-and-transportation-services/index.htm or the Parking and Transportation Twitter account, @UTRGV_PTS.
