Community Transit drivers: Too soon to open the front doors
EVERETT — Community Transit drivers don’t feel safe after fare collection and front-door boarding resumed last week, according to the union representing them.
Fare collection on all Community Transit vehicles began Wednesday. Swift Blue and Green routes began collecting fares on June 1. Riders have to enter the bus through the front doors to pay. For the three months while fares were suspended, passengers used rear doors, away from drivers.
“We believe that opening the front door is happening too soon, and that our operators will be required to have far too close contact with the public to be deemed safe,” said Kathleen Custer, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1576, which represents drivers. “We have shared with (Community Transit) the serious concerns our members have about opening the front doors.”
In addition to wearing masks, drivers have the option to use plastic face shields, but they aren’t allowed to wear them while driving. That means taking them off and putting them back on for every stop.
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