ECAT Returns To Modified Schedule; One Bus Driver Positive For COVID-19

June 30, 2020

ECAT returns to a modified schedule instead of peak hour service Tuesday.

Currently there is one bus driver that did test positive for COVID-19, but Escambia County said more bus drivers are returning to work after receiving negative results.

Hours and Service Modifications:

The modified weekday schedule matches ECAT’s “Holiday Schedule,” which runs every two hours and with the final route trips departing ECAT and downtown at 6 p.m. The same modified schedule will run on Saturdays with no service on Sundays. The following routes aretemporarily suspended until further notice:

  • Route 41, East Pensacola Heights
  • Route 59A, NAS Pensacola, Airport
  • Route 59X, NAS Pensacola, Downtown, Cordova Mall
  • UWF Regular Trolley Service

Routes 1, 2, 31, 32, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48, 50, 51, 52, 55, 57, 58, 60, and 63 will continue to operate  modified schedule service Monday – Saturday. UWF Express Trolley will also continue service Monday – Saturday. Contact ECAT at (850) 595-3228 with specific questions.

Capacity Limit 10 Passengers:

Buses will continue to be limited to transporting 10 people with staggered seating. Additional vehicles will be dispatched to ensure all passengers are picked up and complying with the 10- person limit.

Paratransit Services

Escambia County Community Transportation (ECCT) will continue to temporarily suspend all paratransit services after 7 p.m. for weekday and Saturday services.  All medical necessary trips will be honored. Sunday service is temporarily suspended. All expired eligibility will be extended for 90 days. In-person eligibility interviews will be rescheduled or completed over the phone. Call  ECCT Customer Service at (850) 595-0501 if you need assistance.

Comments

6 Responses to “ECAT Returns To Modified Schedule; One Bus Driver Positive For COVID-19”

  1. Rod on July 2nd, 2020 12:26 am

    @ Seth So, my point was and is that ECAT is a money losing proposition and a financial burden on the citizens of Escambia County, the vast majority whom do not rely on their neighbors to provide them a way to work. Furthermore, I believe that the vast majority of we gainfully employed citizens all feel that our jobs are as equally “essential” as yours.

  2. jerry on June 30th, 2020 11:05 am

    I support a ECAT even though ECAT is a drain on the counties money. but it is a necessary because we do need to have transportation for those who have no other way to travel. Most riders ride free of charge and that is the real problem. a little fare from everyone might help.

  3. MJ on June 30th, 2020 8:39 am

    Not everyone in Escambia County drive. I know more than 6 people that use the bus services regularly. Have you actually been down to the bus terminal? I think your analysis is way off.

  4. Bewildered on June 30th, 2020 7:35 am

    I guess Rod is trying to say with the minute ridership huge buses are a waste of money. They are using vans to transport handicapped folks around – maybe go the same route with ECAT

  5. Seth on June 30th, 2020 7:13 am

    Hey Rod, Are you going to give me a ride to and from my “essential” job every day?
    Didn’t think so…

  6. Rod on June 30th, 2020 3:32 am

    10 people?? I have never seen more than 6 at any given time, including the driver! ECAT is a money drain and only there to provide a retirement for it’s operators. This money pit needs to be abolished and the money spent much wiser!