In a statement, Carris reveals that, in view of the Coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19), it reinforced the measures that have been implemented by the company to protect users and drivers.
Although the offer of the service will continue to function regularly, the public passenger transport company in Lisbon will implement 12 additional prevention measures starting today, March 15th.
Changes also affect the historic trams and elevators managed by the company.
- As of March 15, entry into CARRIS vehicles, buses and trams, will be carried out through the back door, in order to reduce physical contact with the crew.
- Delimiting tapes will be placed on the crew's rank.
- As the entrances are carried out through the exit door, customers must adopt the rules that they are already used to using in other modes (namely the Underground and CP), that is, let passengers out first before entering the vehicle.
- Following the placement of signs on CARRIS vehicles, the sale of on-board fares on CARRIS vehicles is suspended indefinitely.
- At validations by passengers are optional.
- Buses will compulsorily stop at all stops, regardless of whether there are passengers wishing to exit or enter, thus exempting customers from pressing the stop button.
- Access to the Santa Justa viewpoint, as well as the Santa Justa elevator will close for an indefinite period from March 15th.
- the elevators of the Lavra and da Glória maintain their normal operation , without in-flight fare sales.
- The Bica lift maintains its normal operation, but the brake compartment will be closed to passengers. Sales of in-flight fares will be suspended as in other means of CARRIS.
- Commercial transactions on CARRIS' own network, stores and kiosks, are now carried out exclusively through card payments.
- As of Monday, March 16, access to the CARRIS facilities will require a temperature measurement.
- Following the requests of CARRIS drivers and brakemen, the use of masks by them is left to the individual discretion of each one. It is recalled that the DGS guidelines are in line with the procedure adopted so far in CARRIS, that is, the mask is indicated only for situations where there is a suspicion of infection by COVID-19.
Additional recommendations
The company also makes additional recommendations, in line with the recommendations of the General Directorate of Health with regard to social distancing.
- Whenever possible, ensure a minimum distance of one meter from other passengers;
- If there are empty seats, do not sit with another passenger;
- At stops, queue up ensuring a security perimeter of one meter.
Razão Automóvel's team will continue online, 24 hours a day, during the COVID-19 outbreak. Follow the recommendations of the General Directorate of Health, avoid unnecessary travel. Together we will be able to overcome this difficult phase.