EMPLOYEE Q&A

Significant changes have been implemented to protect employees working the front lines from exposure. These include rear-door boarding and alighting, eliminating fares, limiting the number of passengers on a bus and intensive disinfectant procedures. The risk to bus operators and front-line maintenance personnel is greatly reduced as a result of these changes. Mitigating the effects of significant losses of revenue combined with significant projected budget deficits are our top priority. Maintaining jobs and ensuring that all on-site workers are provided with a reduced work schedule to minimize the number of days and total hours worked per week remain our top priority. As a result of these efforts, we are unable to offer hazard pay at this time.

Is a DASH shutdown pending?

At this time, a full shut down is not being considered due to the essential nature of the service we provide. Service has been reduced to an enhanced Sunday schedule which preserves critical uses of transit, such as medical appointments and access for critical workers (food supply, medical, infrastructure, etc.), while discouraging non-essential use of transit.

How can operators request new cleaning cloths and disinfectant spray?

During early morning pull out, operators can inform dispatch or a maintenance staff member before leaving the garage for new cleaning cloths or to refill their disinfectant spray. During midday hours, inform the yard master and they will provide the material.

How can employees acquire additional PPE supplies, including masks, if needed?

Employees needing additional PPE equipment such as masks, gloves, sanitizer refill, etc. should see dispatch.

How do I use a homemade cloth face covering correctly?

For detailed information regarding how to make and use cloth face coverings correctly please visit www.alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus#protect.

Why shouldn’t face masks be stored in a plastic bag?

For detailed information regarding how to use surgical masks correctly please visit www.alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus#protect.

Can employees use accumulative sick leave to stay home for safety?

Yes, employees can use their available accrued sick or vacation leave.

What should employees do if they contract COVID-19 and their available sick time runs out?

HR has created COVID Sick and FMLA codes to track COVID leave. To request emergency paid sick leave or extended FMLA for COVID reasons, contact your supervisor. View HR’s bulletin for more information. For more information or for general HR requests, please contact DASH-HR@alexandriava.gov.

How can operators stay safe when assisting passengers with mobility devices?

Sanitize your hands prior to assisting passengers.
Put on new pair of gloves, located in wheel well compartment of each bus in a brown paper bag. If your bus does not have a wheel well compartment, gloves are located in the overhead compartment behind the operator’s seat.
Properly secure passenger with restraints.
Properly dispose of gloves immediately.
Sanitize hands.
Repeat steps 1-5 for disembarking passenger.

Why are buses running so late in evening when everything seems closed?

DASH is providing lifeline transportation service for residents and employees. This includes essential trips to/from medical care facilities which are open later in the evening. It also includes trips for essential service workers whose shifts often extend later in the evening. Based on average hourly ridership data, we are seeing an average of 2-6 boardings per trip between 8:00 – 11:00 p.m. on most routes that continue to run during those times.

The current run lengths are a safety concern for several operators. Can shorter runs be scheduled?

Run lengths are designed to minimize the number of operators that are required to work each day. Shorter runs require more operators to report each day. This would impact any extra day(s) off, which we would like to avoid.

How can operators enforce physical distancing to passengers who walk to front and ask questions, or those who do not understand distancing?

Operators are encouraged to instruct passengers to stay six feet from the driver’s seat. Barriers are also being added between ADA seating and the rear door to facilitate physical distancing between operators and passengers.

Where can I download the Collective Bargaining Agreement?

The CBA can be viewed and downloaded HERE.

Where can I download the TMA Employee Handbook?

The TMA employee handbook and be viewed and downloaded HERE.

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