As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic evolves, Michigan Public Transit Association (MPTA) and Michigan Transportation Connection (MTC) feel it is important to acknowledge the fluidity of the situation and maintain a reasoned and measured response. This message is to update you on our position regarding workplace safety and our efforts to continue serving our members, clients and community.
In all situations, the safety of our members and clients is our top priority. Therefore, we have been following the guidance of federal and state agencies, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, to ensure we limit exposure and encourage containment of COVID-19. To that end, all MPTA/MTC staff are working remotely as possible, our East Lansing office is closed to external guests, and all MPTA- and MTC-hosted meetings will switch to a virtual interface. We have made these changes to support our staff as they maintain their health, care for their families, and serve their communities by reducing risk for their neighbors.
It is out of this spirit of self-care and service that we are able to honor our commitments to our members, clients and partners, many of whom are in the population health and healthcare industries. We aim to remain accessible to you while working alongside you to accomplish priorities that existed before the COVID-19 pandemic and address the issues caused by its impact.
These are difficult times for Michigan, but we want you to know that MPTA & MTC are leveraging all of its information technology infrastructure to facilitate meetings and communicate with stakeholders. We are also actively developing contingency plans to maintain client services in light of evolving circumstances. Should you wish to reach out to us, all MPTA/MTC staff phone numbers are working and should reach their intended recipient.
Our transit system members remain committed to observing the FTA guidelines of daily disinfecting of all buses and frequent disinfecting of high-touch areas in vehicles and buildings. Most public transit agencies remain open and fully functional, unless local governance has deemed otherwise. Transits serve critical needs in their communities and are committed to fulfilling these obligations, unless directed otherwise by national or state directive.
We have been partners with you for more than 40 years, working together to solve difficult problems—large and small. Today is no different.
If there is anything we can do to support you, know that MPTA and MTC are here.