While the recent weather has been quite pleasant, soon the temperatures will drop and snow will be swirling. CityBus employees work hard to ensure the buses operate in all kinds of weather, however, if extreme weather hits, CityBus is prepared.
CityBus utilizes a severe weather procedure that outlines four levels of service. Any change in service level will be shared on the CityBus website, CityBus mobile app, CityBus Facebook and Twitter pages, or via the CityBus text or email alerts. CityBus severe weather procedure:
- Level 1: All routes operate regular schedules but some routes may run minor delays depending on the road conditions.
- Level 2: All routes operate, however routes 1A, 3, 5 and 7 may not serve all areas due to road conditions.
- Level 3: All routes are impacted with major reductions in scheduled service and significant delays. Service may start later than scheduled in order to allow road crews to clear the streets and CityBus personnel to clear CityBus properties.
- Level 4: All CityBus services are suspended until conditions improve. Level 2, 3 or 4 will also be shared with local media (WLFI-TV18, WBAA, Journal and Courier, WASK and WAZY).
Riders can prepare by learning where to find alerts or by subscribing to a CityBus alert tool. Rider alerts are communicated through all of the following:
1. CityBus website (www.gocitybus.com/Rider-Alerts)
2. DoubleMap (our free mobile app for real-time bus arrival information) announcements area (http://citybus.doublemap.com/map/)
3. CityBus Facebook page (www.facebook.com/gocitybus/)
4. CityBus Twitter page (@gocitybus)
5. Opt-in text or email alerts
Email and text notices go only to those who opt-in to the service. To sign up for the email and/or text alerts, visit www.gocitybus.com, scroll to the bottom of the page and submit your information. To sign up for text alerts only, text “gocitybus” to 95577. Carrier rates may apply for the text service. See carrier plan for details. Subscribers of both email and text alerts can opt out at any time.
As an aid to those who rely on the bus to get to work and school, John Connell, manager of operations, asks property owners to help keep bus stops safe and clear during a snow or ice event.
“With over 900 stops, we work to clear as many heavily used stops as we can. If home and business owners shovel a path from the bus stop to the street, that would be incredibly helpful for riders,” says Connell. “Also, be sure not to block sidewalks or paths to the shelters or stops with large piles of snow. Our riders will really appreciate any help clearing the way for them to get on the bus.”
