RoadRUNNER Transit continues to support local and state public health officials response to COVID-19 and assist in reducing its spread. The efforts include the installation of banners on the fixed-route buses and Dial-A-Ride vehicles that display public health messages about how members of the public can protect themselves from COVID-19.
The advertisement encourages everyone to wash their hands, cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and stay home when sick.
The displays are in both English and Spanish and refer the public interested in getting more information to the City’s website covid19LasCruces.com as well as to the New Mexico Department of Health website cv.nmhealth.org
RoadRUNNER Transit is also encouraging passengers to follow social distancing guidelines while riding the bus. This includes leaving an empty seat between passengers to keep at a distance of six feet from each other. Buses are thoroughly disinfected each evening and wiped down with disinfectant throughout the day.
Fare collection is temporarily suspended to avoid cash and fare handling and to minimize face-to-face interactions with other passengers and transit staff. Recently the Center for Disease Control updated their guidelines and recommended using cloth face masks when going out.
“While RoadRUNNER Transit uses an antibacterial disinfectant to clean vehicles and facilities, self-care is still the best protection,” said Mike Bartholomew, Transit Administrator. “We all play an important role in reducing the spread,”
Passengers are also reminded to only take essential trips to support essential services and follow the State’s “Stay at Home Order” except of outings absolutely necessary for health, safety and welfare.
“We are committed to serve riders who have essential transportation needs like doctor appointments, pharmacy visits, critical job access and grocery shopping, but if your travel is not essential please be safe and stay home,” Bartholomew added.
Last month in response to the global pandemic RoadRUNNER Transit and Dial-a-Ride began running on a reduced weekday service schedule and altered their Saturday service hours. Now RoadRUNNER Transit operates from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Dial-a-Ride will operate on the same schedule and customers are asked to contact Dial-a-Ride at (575) 541-2777.
To plan your trip and see route maps, please go to roadrunner.las-cruces.org. For more information, contact RoadRUNNER Transit customer service at 575-541-2500. Mesilla Valley Intermodal Transit Terminal (MVITT) Center is located at 300 W. Lohman. The MVITT is limits to 5 customers at a time and seating is no longer available in the lobby.
Passengers can track the bus in real-time, visiting the website bustracker.las-cruces.org. They can also subscribe to the "Notify Me" alert service to receive email alerts related to transit services, road closures, and dense traffic areas. To subscribe, go to las-cruces.org/list.aspx.