District of Columbia: District public transit reassures riders on swine flu

The millions of people who take public transportation should continue to do so, knowing that public transit systems already have procedures in place to deal with seasonal flu outbreaks and are closely monitoring the H1N1 virus (swine flu) outbreak."People should continue to ride public transportation. Buses and trains are as safe as any other public area," said American Public Transportation Association (APTA) president William W. Millar. "Public transit systems deal with large numbers of people on a regular basis and already have precautionary procedures in place for both riders and employees."

Transit systems regularly clean facilities, vehicles, and fare vending equipment with high-grade germicidal solutions and will take additional measures as appropriate. Coordination on this issue is happening between transit systems and federal agencies. Representatives of U.S. public transit systems are receiving alerts from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

"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," said Millar.

1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

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

3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

4. Stay home if you get sick.

On the Net: www.cdc.gov/swineflu