*Updated on 04/08/2020 to reflect new customer services hours.
Savannah, Ga. – Chatham Area Transit will implement additional bus schedule reductions, including shorter operating hours, as staffing levels decrease following the impacts of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The new service reductions will go into effect on Monday, April 13.
The revised bus operating hours are 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sundays until further notice. Customers are encouraged to review the new modified route schedules in advance when planning trips. The new modified schedule for each of the routes is available online at http://catchacat.org/modified-bus-schedules/.
CAT Mobility’s operating hours also will be reduced to match the modified operating hours of fixed-route service.
CAT continues to urge fixed-route and CAT Mobility customers to only use the services for essential trips, such as medical appointments, grocery shopping and work. In addition, customers are encouraged to use cloth face coverings if they are not wearing masks while riding mass transit, following new recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“We are asking the public to join us in helping to keep customers and employees safe as we continue to provide services to people who need them,” said Michael J. Brown, interim CEO/Executive Director. “We all must do our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
The additional service reductions come after CAT implemented reduced schedules on March 26. CAT also is operating buses at 50-percent of their capacity to allow passengers more room to spread out and adhere to the “social distancing” requirements. CAT is waiving fares to minimize operator and public contact. Customers should get on and off the bus using the rear entrance unless they have disabilities that require them to use the front door with its kneeling function and wheel chair ramp.
Customer service hours and staffing levels also will be reduced and callers should expect longer waits before being connected to a customer service representative. Customer service staff may be contacted by calling (912) 233-5767 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
The CAT board is scheduled to consider whether to continue the reduced service levels and waived fares at their meeting on April 28. Prior to that meeting, CAT may need to adjust service levels further as the situation or staffing levels dictate.