Must-Have Ingredients for a Safe Commute

In addition to the well-documented importance of appropriate distancing and facial coverings, exposure risk is heavily tied to time, and the density of any viral particles in the air. This is why outdoor spaces are safer – contaminated air has a chance to disperse more. This means less time exposed to contaminated air, and fewer contaminated particles per unit of air. Open-air stations, such as those at or above-ground function like outdoor space.  

Within vehicles, the core factors are: (1) How often and (2) how well is air being filtered? At minimum, train car vehicles have filtered all the air on board within 3 minutes (the same air exchange rate as for an airliner)2. Buses and some train cars filter the air even more frequently (e.g. within 70 seconds is the norm for the Bay Area’s BART trains). Even the lower end air exchange rate on transit vehicles is at least 2-3 times more frequent than that for office buildings3. While small spaces make distancing more challenging, they can make air filtration more frequent. The second key piece is how well that air is being filtered. The EPA, ASHRAE, and CDC recommend using filters with at least a MERV rating of 13 for filters to capture viral particles. MERV 14 or 16 are considered even more effective, with HEPA filters being considered the most preferred.   

Obviously in order to best distance riders from each other, the comfortable number of riders on a train decreases sizably. This makes it even more important for riders to consider when they ride (is it a high volume period?), where they ride (is this car too full?), and how they ride (are they seating to allow safe space for other riders?). Transit agencies are taking these things very seriously, and many provide detailed information in the form of load charts or even advising on which cars to avoid. While the specific information can vary from system to system and line to line, transit agencies generally see peak volumes earlier in the mornings, from 7 to 9am. When boarding your train, look for cars with fewer people: train cars furthest from stairs or other platform entry points are likely to have the smallest crowds. This usually makes the cars at the far ends (front and back) the ones with the most available space. On buses, it’s common for the rear of the vehicle to have fewer riders than the front.  

Some transit agencies (like D.C.’s WMATA and L.A. Metro) are already tackling this information need for riders by building dashboards or mobile tools for riders to see system activity by time, and be able to plan their trips accordingly.  

Ensuring the responsible conduct of other users is no easy task in any space. However, transit agencies are equipped and empowered to manage their spaces and vehicles to ensure that all patrons have a safe experience.  

Confirm your agency’s policies surrounding distancing, masking, and other conduct (or contact us for more detailed information). Confirm what enforcement practices are in place, particular those that will help riders address observed issues (such as a mobile app or phone # for riders to quickly report issues or dangerous behavior). Expert consensus is that the consistent safe conduct of other riders is the single biggest piece for a safe transit system. However: riders should not directly address improper behavior with other riders – report the issue to a transit agency employee (preferably an enforcement professional) and allow them to address it directly for the safety of all passengers.  

Ensure that your employees have ready access to quality personal protective equipment such as effective masks and hand sanitizer. But consider also going beyond this, to provide unique resources that will help riders be safe and comfortable, such as personal hang-straps for the train or bus.