Updated: Returning to Worksites During COVID-19
Planning employee transportation during COVID-19? Find tips for shuttles, vanpool and other commuter options in ACT’s updated report.
New – Post updated with link to version 2 of ACT’s report which adds Biking and Micromobility options plus new relevant sources.
The Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT) has released recommendations to help organizations bring commuters back to workplaces and campuses safely and efficiently. For details on shuttles, vanpool, carpool and other options for employee transportation, download ACT’s updated report: “Supporting Commuters Returning to Worksites During COVID-19.”
You’ll find helpful advice for anyone involved in planning mobility aspects of reopening. The shuttle section includes:
- Tips for employers: policy and education, distancing, safety and advanced booking
- Tips for commuters: personal protective equipment (PPE), reporting issues, trip planning and touchless commuter technologies.
According to the report, “Many employers providing shuttles for employees will continue or even expand these operations, as public health recommendations may limit the availability of public transportation. In addition, employers will be exploring opportunities to launch privately operated shuttles or join existing shared shuttle operations commonly provided through local transportation management associations (TMAs).
Private shuttle operations may provide a greater sense of control for employers and trust for commuters but will need to be balanced with costs associated with adhering to new capacity limits and safety protocols.”
WeDriveU’s COVID protocols for employer shuttles encompass all of ACT’s recommendations…and more.
Give us a shout to learn about our solutions and COVID measures in action on client shuttles.
In terms of best practices, ACT recommends prioritizing transportation demand management (TDM) goals while balancing concerns for personal health and welfare.
“Many workers will need to return to their worksite, and there is a real possibility that personal health concerns could motivate commuters to drive alone, causing crippling congestion and wreaking havoc on air quality.” – ACT website
During ACT’s recent webinar on “Safe Shuttle Operations,” WeDriveU, Northwestern University, 128 Business Council and ABC Companies shared COVID measures and ideas to avoid reversing decades of progress on sustainable commuting (watch replay).
In contrast with ACT’s resources, the CDC issued guidance in late May encouraging employers to incentivize driving to work alone, later updating its guidance (6/2/20) and removing the language, based on opposition from transportation industry groups and transit agencies.
This is a clear opportunity for TDM professionals to double-down on practical solutions, something WeDriveU’s Tim Wayland pointed out in the ACT webinar. Tim recommended the ACT community continue to focus on its goal of removing SOVs from roadways, and work together to return confidence with safe, feasible, sustainable commute options.
Next steps
Download ACT’s report – tips for human resources, business operations, workplace services, facilities management and commercial real estate professionals.
Like help planning transportation for your commuters? Reach out here. We’re glad to assist.
Special thanks! We join ACT in thanking members and committees for lending insights on this great resource.
