Effective Date
News categories
Taxi Industry
- Taxi and rideshare operators and private transit companies should develop a process that permits both drivers and riders to cancel rides without penalty if the other party is not wearing a face covering. This policy should be communicated to passengers before they book a ride.
- Provide drivers with an adequate supply of materials required to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces of the vehicle. Drivers should have cleaning and disinfecting spray and/or disposable wipes in their vehicles. Drivers should follow manufacturer’s directions for proper cleaning and disinfecting in the vehicle, including using cleaning techniques appropriate for the surface. Drivers should be instructed on the hazards of the product(s) and any necessary protective measures. Ensure adequate ventilation when cleaning/disinfecting vehicles. The steering wheel, gear shift, signal levers, and other commonly-touched vehicle parts should be regularly cleaned and disinfected. Provide lined trash receptacles to be placed in the vehicle to properly dispose of disinfectant wipes and other items.
- High-touch areas within the vehicle frequently touched by passengers should be frequently cleaned and disinfected at the beginning and end of each shift, and between transporting passengers. This includes the door frame, handles, windows, seatbelt buckles, and trunk latch. Provide time for workers to implement cleaning practices between transporting passengers.
- Where possible, use protective barriers such as disposable mats and seat coverings.
- Consider installing an impermeable barrier between the front and rear seats.
- Drivers should consider asking passengers to handle their own personal bags and belongings during pick-up and drop-off, if possible. If providing such services, request that the passengers maintain a minimum of six feet distance. After touching passenger belongings, drivers should use hand sanitizer.
- Riders should sit in the back seat to maximize distance between the passenger and the driver. Rideshare apps should remind passengers of this updated requirement and the number of available seats when making a request for a vehicle and through emails, texts, or other customer communication tools.
- Rideshare and taxi apps and taxi phone operators should remind passengers to wear face coverings and notify them that the ride may be cancelled if they do not wear a face covering.
- Avoid using the recirculated air option for the vehicle’s ventilation during passenger transport; where possible, use the vehicle’s vents to bring in outside air and/or lower the vehicle windows.