Staff Report

Santa Ynez Valley Transit (SYVT) is taking measures to protect both its employees and customers from the coronavirus (COVID-19). Management staff are monitoring and implementing guidelines and procedures set forth by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

As part of the response, SYVT is enacting a temporary service change, effective immediately, suspending all fixed-route service. This will aid in the state-wide order to stay home issued by Governor Newsom on March 19. To assist our customers with essential travel needs, SYVT is now providing Dial-A-Ride (DAR) service to the general public (all passengers). This service is similar to Lyft or Uber at a fraction of the cost.

This advanced-reservation, shared-ride service will be provided on weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday service will be 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday service will temporarily not be available. During this crisis fares will be $1.50 for each DAR ride. Ten-ride punch cards and monthly passes will be valid for use on DAR.

To request a DAR ride, call (805) 688-5452 between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. If a Customer Service Representative is not available, please leave a message with your ­fist name, phone number, and date/time you wish to travel. Additional considerations include:

 

  • Request your ride at least one day in advance (requests for same-day rides will be handled on a ­first-come ­first-served (space-available) basis.
  • Please only make ride reservations for essential travel needs as only a limited number of requests can be accommodated (essential travel needs include buying groceries/household supplies, doctor visits, trips to pharmacies, and mental health appointments).
  • Please remember that the general public DAR service is an advanced-reservation, shared-ride service. Please exercise social distancing and safe hygiene practices while riding on DAR vehicles.

 

SYVT is continuing its enhanced cleaning procedures with respect to daily vehicle cleaning. We have added time to the pre-trip inspections of SYVT vehicles each day so as to wipe down high-touch surfaces (such as handrails and fareboxes) with disinfecting wipes. Riders are encouraged to utilize recommended handwashing procedures and maintain social distancing as much as possible on the bus and at bus stops. In accordance with County Health Department emergency orders, riders are also required to stay home if they feel unwell. For more information, call SYVT at (805) 688-5452 for assistance with questions or trip planning.

SYVT is funded through a Memorandum of Understanding between the cities of Buellton and Solvang and Santa Barbara County. For information about SYVT, visit www.syvt.com or call (805) 688-5452.