The Anchorage, Alaska, Public Transportation Department has suspended fixed-route services on the People Mover.
To continue providing essential transportation during this difficult time while helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19, a limited number of essential trips will be provided by AnchorRIDES for the general public.
Ridership continues to remain higher than what is recommended to meet social distancing guidelines as health and city officials continue to stress that only essential trips be taken on the bus. With that in mind, Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz has ordered the following changes to public transportation.
Effective Wednesday, April 8, 2020:
- People Mover fixed-route bus service will be suspended starting April 8 until further notice.
- AnchorRIDES will provide a limited number of trips to accommodate People Mover bus riders who are going to essential locations (doctor appointments, pharmacies, grocery stores and critical jobs).
- Trips must take place Monday through Friday 6:00 a.m. to midnight or on weekends 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- In order to abide by the CDC's social distancing recommendations, passengers onboard will be limited to one at any given time. Personal care attendants (PCA) will also be allowed if necessary.
- The number of trips for this temporary service is extremely limited and will be scheduled on a first-come-first-serve basis.
- Fares for this temporary service will be waived along with fares associated with traditional AnchorRIDES services until further notice.
- All travel is limited to essential locations only (doctor appointments, pharmacies, grocery stores and critical jobs).
AnchorRIDES will continue to provide previously scheduled trips for eligible riders and continue to set aside trips for eligible AnchorRIDES riders.
For confirmed COVID-19 patients, Persons Under Investigation (PUI) and those traveling to get tested, Anchorage Public Transportation Department asks riders to have their health care practitioners arrange non-critical transportation or call 2-1-1. A transportation contractor has a driver trained in airborne precautions, personal protective equipment (PPE) use and disinfection procedures who will be facilitating the transport.
People Mover riders who wish to use the temporary service will need to complete an application before scheduling trips. Riders must schedule trips one to seven days in advance.
To schedule a trip, riders can call customer service. Trips may only be scheduled for the following doctor appointments, pharmacies, grocery stores and critical/essential jobs.
