May 1, 2009

CONTACT: Jenna Reedy, Business Development Manager
Day: 849-0708
Fax: 848-4853
Email: jreedy@rabbittransit.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            

rabbittransit Takes Proactive Steps Against Flu Spread Risk:

Riders Asked to Take Actions to Stay Healthy

York, PA – rabbittransit is taking proactive measures to do its part to minimize the risk of outbreak of the H1N1 virus (swine flu). “We are closely monitoring the situation and have begun to prepare accordingly,” comments rabbittransit Executive Director Richard Farr.

rabbittransit uses environmentally friendly, hospital-grade disinfectant cleaner to wipe down surfaces throughout the system. The transit authority will be providing cleaning supplies to its employees and encouraging them to disinfect their work areas as a way to maintain a healthy work environment. rabbittransit will also be reassigning staff to clean hard contact surfaces such as fare collection equipment, steering wheels, overhead hand straps, hand rails, stop cord and other “touch surfaces” aboard buses.

“There is a good line of communication going on between the federal government and the public transportation industry,” said American Public Transportation Association (APTA) president William W. Millar. “If we do reach the level of pandemic flu, APTA and its members will follow the lead of the federal government in implementing necessary steps for public transportation.”

rabbittransit riders are encouraged to take basic precautions to protect themselves and their fellow riders. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most effective steps you can take to prevent catching or spreading the flu are to follow these simple tips:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.

• Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• The CDC advises that influenza is spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

• When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.  If you don’t have a tissue, use your upper arm not your hand.

If you get sick, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

For the most up-to-date information regarding unanticipated service interruptions, rabbittransit recommends its rider alert system which issues both email and text alerts. Passengers can sign up for the feature on rabbittransit’s website at www.rabbittransit.org. rabbittransit also has a phone hotline for communication about service updates at 717.849.0740. For more information about H1N1/Swine Flu please visit www.cdc.gov/swineflu.

rabbittransit, York County’s public transportation system, provides a variety of transportation services to the residents of York County. Nearly 6,000 people depend on rabbittransit each day to get to work, medical facilities, school and other life-sustaining activities. rabbittransit is dedicated to helping all York Countians get to where they want to go.