Effective immediately, the Victor Valley Transit Lobby will be closed until further notice in response to COVID-19. Customers are encouraged to call 760-948-4021 for all their transit-related needs.
For Lost and Found, please call 760-948-4021, ext. 0.
Victor Valley Transit is actively monitoring COVID-19 changes and is working with San Bernardino County and the Cities of Hesperia & Barstow to determine further appropriate steps.
Please note, NO cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) have been reported at Victor Valley Transit.
Effective Wednesday March 18, 2020, VVTA is implementing new procedures to help stop the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) for not only the safety of our passengers but our Drivers as well.
Beginning tomorrow, all passengers will be entering VVTA buses from the rear exit doors. Only mobilities will be allowed access from the front doors.
In addition, all fares will be complimentary during this time until further notice.
The safety of our passengers and transit drivers are of the utmost concern from all of us at Victor Valley transit, and will continue to make necessary adjustments, until such time as this situation passes.
COVID-19, commonly referred to as the Coronavirus, is a new disease being monitored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is so new that the CDC is still learning how it spreads, the severity of illness it causes, and to what extent it may continue to spread in the U.S.
How It Spreads Person-to-person spread The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person, between those who are in close contact with one another (within about six feet), through respiratory exhales when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Small droplets can land in the mouth or be inhaled by people who are nearby.
Can someone spread the virus without being sick? Some spread might be possible before people show any symptoms of actually being sick, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Can you catch it from infected surfaces, seat belt latches, and door handles? It is possible to become infected by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. The virus can live for up to 48 hours on handrails, seat belt latches, and handles. However, this is not thought to be the main way this virus spreads.
How easily the virus spreads The spread varies from person to person based upon overall health and genetics. The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in communities (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas.
What is Community Spread? It means people have been infected with the virus in their community, even if they have not recently traveled anywhere.
The Symptoms Symptoms will appear two to 14 days after exposure and can range from mild to severe. Watch for:
Fever.
Cough.
Shortness of breath.
Avoid touching your face anywhere
How to Protect Your Employees and Clients There is currently no vaccine to prevent Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Here’s what you, your employees, and your clients can do to avoid spreading the virus, according to the CDC.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home if you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Avoid shaking hands with your passengers.
Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask:
The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. For more information about handwashing, see the CDC’s handwashing website.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
The CDC has also created a guide specifically for businesses and employers to plan and respond to coronavirus, which can be found here. A CDC guide with specific guidance for travelers can be found here.
Treatment of Coronavirus There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions. People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Portions of this story initially appeared in Luxury Coach & Transportation (LCT) on March 5. Kevin Haegele/LCT and reprinted by Metro For Transit and Motorcoach Business
Please take a few moments to complete our quick ridership survey. As a rider of Victor Valley Transit Authority services, we want to know what’s important to you!
The Victor Valley Transit Authority and National Express will be holding a hiring even from 10am – 3pmt on February 18 and 25, 2020 at the Historic Harvey House in Barstow, CA. Located at 685 N. 1st Ave, Barstow, CA 92311.
We will be looking to fill positions for both our Barstow and Hesperia locations for Transit Drivers, Utility Workers and Maintenance techs I, II, III
TRANSIT DRIVERS:
California Driver’s License (3 years)
Must have or be able to obtain a Class B license with Passenger & Airbrake Endorsement (Preferred NOT REQUIRED)
Must have a high degree of attention and considerable skill in the control of vehicles
Must have a clean driving record
Be able to pass a DOT Physical, background check, and pre-employment drug screening
Provide excellent customer service
Must show great judgment and problem solving skills
MAINTENANCE TECHS I, II, III
Range of one to five years Med/Hvy truck Fleet mechanic repair experience
Technical and fleet knowledge of major vehicle systems and diesel equipment is required
Possess the recommended minimum hand tools for a Diesel Technician
Ability to use good judgment and decision making skills
Must pass DOT pre-employment physical, drug screen and background check
ASE Certification desirable but not required for company vehicles in assigned location
UTILITY WORKERS
Interest in the automotive industry
Knowledge of requirements related to safe working practices and conditions and maintenance of a safe work environment
Basic knowledge of information technology and software programs to enter data and retrieve work orders
Valid appropriate licenses and/or certification required to operate company vehicles in assigned location
Free training program for drivers and mechanics.
If you are unable to attend, please apply online to careers.nellc.com or contact Melanie Thompson at 760-995-3560 for more information.
This week, the Victor Valley Transit Authority Board of Directors honored VVTA Driver Cynthia Jones for her attention to detail, compassion and quick thinking to help reunite a missing 13-year old back to his family in Big Bear, CA.
Left to Right: Joy Jeanette (Vice-Chair), Gloria Garcia, Todd Noble, Cynthia Jones, Larry Bird, Curt Emick (Chair) and Robert Lovingood.
“It was definitely God’s timing”, stated Cynthia. “I was on layover during my route and I was reading a news report about a missing boy on my phone, when I heard a knock on my bus door, and there he was. He was trying to find a way to get to Victorville, where he had family, so I invited him aboard and after speaking to him for a few minutes to confirm it was actually him, I notified dispatch and the authorities were alerted.” Cynthia Jones has been a part of VVTA for the last 2.5 years and was recently promoted to Dispatch. “I was at the right place, at the right time”.
Board Chair Curt Emick stated, “What a way to showcase the kind of employee’s we have. I am so proud of Cynthia for reaching out to help this 13-year-old boy. Job well done!”. Joining Chair Curt Emick (Apple Valley) are Vice-Chair Joy Jeanette (Adelanto), Robert Lovingood (San Bernardino 1st District), Larry Bird (Hesperia), Dawn Rowe (San Bernardino 3rd District), Gloria Garcia (Victorville) and Todd Noble (Barstow).
VVTA is proud of Cynthia Jones and all of the staff that go the extra mile to make a difference, not only for their passengers, but for the community as a whole.
This week the Victor Valley Transit Authority Board of Directors nominated and unanimously approved Curt Emick as Chair, and Joy Jeanette as Vice Chair for the 2020 Board. We are very excited what these already great leaders will bring to VVTA this year!
Joining Chair Curt Emick (Apple Valley) and Vice-Chair Joy Jeanette (Adelanto), the 2020 Board of Directors is rounded out by Robert Lovingood (San Bernardino 1st District), Larry Bird (Hesperia), Dawn Rowe (San Bernardino 3rd District), Gloria Garcia (Victorville) and Todd Noble (Barstow).
