From MET Transit:
 
Rear-Door Loading REQUIRED
 
In order to provide further exposure safety measures, MET Transit is asking all riders to board using the rear door on equipped vehicles.  Passengers are still required to deposit a fare or show a pass to the driver; passengers should not travel beyond the yellow "buffer zone" line when doing so but may hold up their pass so a driver may visually verify it using the in-vehicle mirror. Further, the farebox and hand sanitizer has been relocated to a pole near the buffer zone line for passengers to deposit fare payment. A hole punch is also available for passengers to utilize when riding with a punch card. As MET is minimizing employee exposure, passengers are asked to make a good will effort to pay fares and accurately punch passes. Passengers are encouraged to utilize the provided hand sanitizer if they are required to handle a paper punch. If you are UNABLE to board utilizing a rear door due to requiring a bus to kneel or utilization of a ramp for a mobility device, please let your operator know.
 
MET Transit Continues Service
 
The City of Billings realizes transit is an essential service to the community, especially for members who may have limited transportation options and access to services. Due to this, MET Transit intends to continue to operate through the course of the current health crisis. MET will continue to provide access to essential services including healthcare, groceries, pharmacies, and to those in the community still needing to travel to their workplace. However, MET encourages any individuals who do not need to travel to stay home and follow the recommended guidelines for social distancing.
 
The City of Billings understands individuals who are sick may be required to utilize the transit system for access to services; individuals should take steps to minimize the impact they have on others by covering any active cough with a tissue or other disposable item and throwing it in the trash; passengers and employees are also encouraged to utilize the hand sanitizer provided on every vehicle. When using the system, passengers should make an effort to distance themselves from other passengers as well as transit employees. As mentioned in a previous news posting, MET has established "buffer zones" in each bus for it’s employees and passengers will be asked to adhere to any instructions given by an operator regarding these zones.
 
As MET Transit considers the health and wellbeing of its passengers and employees the number one priority, MET Transit employees are making extra efforts to ensure vehicles and facilities are cleaned frequently. Surfaces are wiped down with approved disinfectant multiple times per day while every vehicle and facility is deep cleaned by staff multiple times per week in accordance with the Center for Disease Control recommendations.
 
MET will continue to follow industry best practices and continue to communicate with local, State, and Federal officials throughout the course of the current health crisis. Please check our website (http://www.mettransit.com), as well as announcements in the DoubleMAP bus tracking application, regularly for any updates regarding our service. If you have questions, please feel free to contact the MET at 406-657-8218.
 
Buffer Zone for Bus Operators
 
In response to the current COVID-19 health situation, MET is asking passengers to provide "buffers" for bus operators. MET has placed "buffer zone" lines on many buses to indicate how far away passengers should sit or stand in relation to the driver. Passengers are asked to sit beyond the designated line, leaving approximately 6 feet of buffer area away from the driving location in the bus.  This will help to ensure bus driver and passenger exposure is minimized during travel.  Operators have been instructed to inform passengers of the buffer zone and ask they find a seat or standee position beyond it.  If a passenger has a mobility issue inhibiting their ability to utilize a seat or standee position beyond the buffer area, they may inform the driver and request to be seated in the buffer zone.
 
If you have questions or concerns, please contact the MET at 406-657-8218.
 
Thank you for trusting MET for your transportation needs.