12/21/2021 12:13 p.m.
Good Afternoon Team,
As of today, we have received 1,341 vaccination cards and counting! We are at 65% of our goal. We just completed the December 10, 2021 payout for employees who submitted their valid proof of COVID-19 vacation by December 3, 2021.
There is still time! Act now! Employees who submit valid proof of vaccination by December 31, 2021 at 11:59 pm EDT will be eligible to receive the $500 incentive check to be paid on January 14, 2022.
As we, and the nation, are trending higher in COVID-19 cases over the last couple weeks, we encourage you to get vaccinated to assist in the prevention of contracting and/or spreading the COVID-19 virus.
Thanks,
George
12/8/2021 3:20 p.m.
Good Afternoon Team,
I would like to make you aware of a Youth COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic being put on by MetroHealth and Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District next Monday, December 13, 2021.
This clinic will be taking place at the Wiley Campus at 2181 Miramar Blvd, University Heights, OH 44118. They will be providing the Pfizer vaccine, which is approved for anyone five (5) years or older. Your child must be pre-registered to get vaccinated. Youth must be accompanied by a parent or guardian the day of the clinic. You do not have to be a MetroHealth patient to register your child.
If you have interest in your children attending this clinic, please pre-register by calling 440-592-6843. Please see the attached flyer for additional details.
12/2/2021 4:05 p.m.
Good Afternoon Team,
As of today, we have received 1,216 vaccination cards and still counting! We are at 58% of our goal. REMINDER: GCRTA is offering a vaccination incentive program for those employees that provide proof of full vaccination, via copy of their vaccination card submittal.
- $500 Incentive:
- Employees who have already submitted their valid proof of COVID-19 vaccination or submit valid proof of COVID-19 vaccination by December 3, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. EDT will receive a $500 incentive check. These checks will be process for payment on December 10, 2021.
- $500 Incentive (extended):
- Qualifying cards for the extension of the $500 incentive must be submitted by December 31, 2021 at 11:59pm EDT. Corresponding checks will be issued on January 14, 2022.
IMPORTANT: Only one (1) incentive payment allowable per employee. Copy of valid proof of vaccination card must be submitted by the assigned date and time. No exceptions.
9/27/2021 3:19 p.m.
Have you lost or misplaced your card? Not an issue, you can get one here.
9/24/2021 10:46 a.m.
We recognize employees have many questions about the Federal mandatory vaccine requirement and how it impacts our workplace.
We continue to receive and process information regarding the federal mandated vaccine requirement. To appropriately consider its impact, we are seeking to determine the number of employees who are fully vaccinated. You are considered fully vaccinated when you are two weeks past receiving the second dose of either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, or the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Please note, this first step is not the start of the vaccine mandate at the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority. Determining the number of vaccinated employees that we have will help us with developing any appropriate policies and procedures.
We are asking all employees who are fully vaccinated to provide a valid proof of vaccination by October 8, 2021. Employees must provide a copy of a valid COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card or other valid proof of vaccination form from a healthcare provider, pharmacy or public health agency. This proof of vaccination form must include your name, the vaccine's name/manufacturer and date(s) of the vaccine dose(s).
Please note that this vaccination documentation will be maintained in a secured file in Occupational Health and treated as a confidential medical record.
DIRECTIONS FOR SUBMITTING PROOF OF FULL VACCINATION
We are providing several methods for you to provide this information:
- Microsoft Outlook Secure Email: To send a secure email; You must put the word [secure] in the message subject line along with your first and last name.
- For example, Subject Line: [secure] Jane doe
- Draft a message to occupationalhealth@gcrta.org or click this link mailto:occupationalhealth@gcrta.org?subject=[secure] my covid card
- Attach a photo or scanned copy of both sides of your Covid-19 vaccination.
- Send the secure email message.
- For example, Subject Line: [secure] Jane doe
- Occupational Health Office Fax: (216) 350-5289
- District locations: Drop off a copy of your proof of vaccination card in a sealed envelope at Lock Boxes located near the Dispatcher Window. Please keep your original card.
- Main Office Building: Drop off a copy of your proof of vaccination card in a sealed envelope to the Occupational Health Office on the 2nd Floor. Please keep your original card.
Upon becoming fully vaccinated, employees should immediately follow one of the above options to submit a copy of your vaccination documentation.
All submitted documentation is subject to verification.
OBTAINING VACCINATION
The COVID-19 vaccine is free and widely available at pharmacies, such as Walgreens, RITEAID and CVS, and health care providers.
Details on where to get vaccinated can be found at https://gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov/, or by contacting Ohio’ COVID-19 vaccine hotline at 1-833-427-5634 or talking with your primary care provider.
Mobile Vaccine Bus (Community Immunity Initiative): The Mobile Vaccine Bus will be making additional visits to GCRTA district locations. Please visit http://www.riderta.com/coronavirus to stay updated for scheduling of future dates at your locations.
Thank you for cooperation and diligence to keeping each other, our passengers, and the community safe. Together, we will continue to work through this pandemic, and continue living out our mission of Connecting the Community.
5/19/2021 4:15 p.m.
Greetings One RTA!
We recognize you have seen the recent updates regarding face mask requirements for vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals from the Centers for Disease Control and Governor DeWine, for the State of Ohio. These updates still provide businesses and employers with the ability to require facemasks for patrons and employees.
We have reviewed these updates against the State of Ohio and the federal governments’ continued requirement for face masks to be worn on public transportation, which is in place through September 13, 2021. This requirement applies to public transit agencies and its workers involved in the provision of transit services, such as maintenance workers, operations control centers, etc.
As such, our current face mask requirement will remain in place at this time for all employees. We will update you if our face mask requirement changes and on other information related to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Thank you for your continued efforts to keep each other and our passengers safe as we all live out our mission of…Connecting The Community!
3/4/2021 3:13 p.m.
Know the facts about the COVID-19 vaccines
5/7/2021 1:30 p.m.
Main Office Team:
We are excited to announce the reopening of the Main Office Fitness Center. Please see the plan below regarding the new rules and guidelines for our planned reopening of the Fitness Center on Monday, May 17, 2021.
Fitness Center Rules and Guidelines
- Access to the fitness center will be reactivated on May 17th for those who already had access. If you would like to start using the fitness center and did not previously have access, please complete and return the attached form to the Benefits team.
- Up to eight (8) employees at any one time will be allowed in the fitness center. This is to allow proper social distancing.
- Please ensure to sign-in and sign-out of the fitness center. We will have “clean” and “dirty” pen cups. After using a pen from the clean cup, please place it in the dirty cup so it can be sanitized.
- Employees must wash hands before and after using the fitness center.
- All workout machines and equipment must be cleaned and disinfected before and after use. This includes dumbbells and all free weight equipment. Disinfectant will be restocked regularly.
- Please keep proper social distance while working out (minimum of 6 feet).
- Extra sanitizing bottles and hand sanitizer will be provided.
- Facilities Maintenance will increase their cleaning of the fitness center.
- Machines have been moved to create 6 feet of distancing.
- It is recommended that employees work out after their work shifts so they may return home and clean up after their work out.
- Face masks are optional in the fitness center. It is strongly recommended to keep them on if lifting or using the strength machines.
***These rules and guidelines will apply to use the fitness center until further notice.
If rules are not followed, the fitness center will be closed for everyone's safety and health.
We will take all necessary precautions to keep the fitness center clean and safe for everyone to use. This includes additional signs reminding employees to sanitize equipment and social distance while using the fitness center. We ask that all employees take these precautions and guidelines seriously while working out. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Benefits team for assistance.
Katie Pavliga, MBA, SHRM-CP
Benefits Specialist
4/30/2021 4:10 p.m.
We are reporting that three employees tested positive for COVID-19 the week ending April 30.
- One from Paratransit
- One from Triskett
- One from Hayden District
Following our standard protocol, work areas, equipment and other areas of potential exposure were cleaned and disinfected. Additionally, other staff members who had been in contact with the employees were immediately notified.
To date, 210 employees have tested positive for COVID-19, and 204 have fully recovered and have returned to work.
4/23/2021 3:27 p.m.
We are reporting that 2 employees tested positive for COVID-19 the week ending April 16 and 1 person the week ending April 23.
- 1 from Central Bus Facility
- 1 from the Rail District
- 1 from Hayden District
Following our standard protocol, work areas, equipment and other areas of potential exposure were cleaned and disinfected. Additionally, other staff members who had been in contact with the employees were immediately notified.
To date, 208 employees have tested positive for COVID-19, and 203 have fully recovered and have returned to work.
4/10/2021 5:33 a.m.
We are reporting that 4 employees tested positive for COVID-19 this past week.
- From the Triskett District – 2 employees
- From the Hayden District – 1 employee
- From the Rail District – 1 employee
Following our standard protocols, work areas, equipment and other areas of potential exposure were cleaned and disinfected. Additionally, other staff members who had been in contact with the employees were immediately notified.
To date 204 employees have tested positive for COVID-19, and 196 have fully recovered and returned to work.
4/2/2021 12:16 p.m.
We are reporting that 4 employees tested positive for COVID-19 this past week.
- From Rail District – one employee
- From Triskett District – one employee
- From Hayden District – one employee
- From Main Office Facility – one employee
Following our standard protocols, work areas, equipment and other areas of potential exposure were cleaned and disinfected. Additionally, other staff members who had been in contact with the employees were immediately notified.
To date 200 employees have tested positive for COVID-19, and 191 have fully recovered and returned to work.
3/26/2021 2:26 p.m.
We are reporting that two employees tested positive for COVID-19 this past week.
- From the rail department, two employees
Following our standard protocol, work areas, equipment and other areas of potential exposure were cleaned and disinfected. Additionally, other staff members who had been in contact with the employees were immediately notified.
To date, 196 employees tested positive for COVID-19, and 190 fully recovered and returned to work.
3/19/2021 1:31 p.m.
We are reporting that 3 employees tested positive for COVID-19 this past week.
- From the Rail Department, two employees
- From the Main Office, one employee
Following our standard protocol, work areas, equipment and other areas of potential exposure were cleaned and disinfected. Additionally, other staff members who had been in contact with the employees were immediately notified.
To date, 194 employees tested positive for COVID-19, and 185 fully recovered and returned to work.
3/12/2021 3:27 p.m.
We are reporting that 4 employees tested positive for COVID-19 this past week.
- From the rail department, one employee
- From Central Bus Maintenance, one employee
- From Triskett, two operators
Following our standard protocol, work areas, equipment and other areas of potential exposure were cleaned and disinfected. Additionally, other staff members who had been in contact with the employees were immediately notified.
To date, 191 employees tested positive for COVID-19, and 183 fully recovered and returned to work.
3/5/2021 12:43 p.m.
We are reporting that 3 employees tested positive for COVID-19 this past week.
- From the rail department, one employee
- From Central Bus Maintenance, two employees
Following our standard protocol, work areas, equipment and other areas of potential exposure were cleaned and disinfected. Additionally, other staff members who had been in contact with the employees were immediately notified.
To date, 187 employees have tested positive for COVID-19, and 180 have fully recovered and returned to work.
2/11/2021 1:06 p.m.
CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Recipient Educational Information
Do you have questions about the COVID-19 Vaccine? Not sure if you want to be vaccinated? Take a moment to learn more about the vaccine by visiting the CDC Vaccine Educational page. Here you will find a fact sheet, answers to questons you may have, reccomendations for the vaccination, and much more.
During this pandemic, the health and safety of our employees has been paramount for us. As a result, if given the opportunity to receive a vaccination, we strongly encourage employees to take the opportunity. While GCRTA is not requiring employees to be vaccinated, we are urging them to do so in order to fight against COVID-19. As we learn more about vaccination distributions, we will send out additional communications.
2/26/2021 2:23 p.m.
We are reporting that 4 employees tested positive for COVID-19 this past week.
- From Paratransit – One Operator
- From the Main Office – One Administrator
- From Rail – One Operator
- From Hayden – One Operator
Following our standard protocols, work areas, equipment and other areas of potential exposure were cleaned and disinfected. Additionally, other staff members who had been in contact with the employees were immediately notified.
To date 184 employees have tested positive for COVID-19, and 175 have fully recovered and returned to work.
2/19/2021 3:41 p.m.
We are reporting that 2 employees tested positive for COVID-19 this past week.
- From Triskett, one bus operator
- From Transit Police, one officer
Following our standard protocol, work areas, equipment and other areas of potential exposure were cleaned and disinfected. Additionally, other staff members who had been in contact with the employees were immediately notified.
To date, 180 employees have tested positive for COVID-19, and 171 have fully recovered and returned to work.
2/12/2021 9:07 p.m.
We are reporting that 3 employees tested positive for COVID-19 this past week.
- 2 from Woodhill, two employees
- 1 from the Main Office, one employee
Following our standard protocol, work areas, equipment and other areas of potential exposure were cleaned and disinfected. Additionally, other staff members who had been in contact with the employees were immediately notified.
To date, 178 employees have tested positive for COVID-19, and 169 have fully recovered and returned to work.
2/1/2021 8:52 a.m.
Transit Mask Mandate
On January 29, 2021 the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a mandatory mask order on all modes of transportation including Public Transportation. The order went into effect on February 1, 2021 and requires the public to wear face masks while boarding, riding and waiting for public transit. The order emphasizes that the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads easily via respiratory droplets and that wearing masks prevent infected individuals from spreading the disease. The CDC’s Order focuses on transit because it brings people in close contact with one another.
American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Transit Mask Mandate Summary
President's Executive Order mandateing mask wearing on all forms of transporation
CDC's Mask Mandate for Public Transportation
11/20/2020 4:36 p.m.
12/7/2020 2:00 p.m.
We have updated our Coronavirus Quarantine Testing Notification Protocols. Please review and observe the bolded areas.
1/29/2021 5:02 p.m.
We are reporting that 7 employees tested positive for COVID-19 this past week.
- From Hayden District, one employee
- From Triskett District, three employees including one bus operator
- From Transit Police, one officer
- From Rail, one employee
- From the Main Office, one employee
Following our standard protocol, work areas, equipment and other areas of potential exposure were cleaned and disinfected. Additionally, other staff members who had been in contact with the employees were immediately notified.
To date, 175 employees have tested positive for COVID-19, and 153 have fully recovered and returned to work.
1/22/2021 3:28 p.m.
RTA has been notified that 6 employees tested positive for COVID-19 this past week.
- From Hayden District, three operators
- From Paratransit, two dispatchers
- From the main office, one employee
Following our standard protocol, work areas, equipment and other areas of potential exposure were cleaned and disinfected. Additionally, other staff members who had been in contact with the employees were immediately notified.
To date, 168 employees have tested positive for COVID-19, and 143 have fully recovered and returned to work.
1/15/2021 1:28 p.m.
We are reporting that 11 employees tested positive for COVID-19 this past week.
- From Hayden District, four employees
- From Triskett District, three employees
- From Central Bus Facility, one employee
- From Woodhill Facility, two employees
- From the Rail District, one employee
Following our standard protocol, work areas, equipment and other areas of potential exposure were cleaned and disinfected. Additionally, other staff members who had been in contact with the employees were immediately notified.
To date, 162 employees have tested positive for COVID-19, and 133 have fully recovered and have returned to work
1/8/2021 3:39 p.m.
We are reporting that 16 employees tested positive for COVID-19 this past week.
• From the Main Office, four employees
• From Hayden District, four operators
• From Triskett District, two operators
• From Central Bus Facility, one maintainer
• From the Rail District, two employees
• From Transit Police, two employees
• From Power & Way, one employee
Following our standard protocol, work areas, equipment and other areas of potential exposure were cleaned and disinfected. Additionally, other staff members who had been in contact with the employees were immediately notified.
To date, 151 employees have tested positive for COVID-19, and 122 have fully recovered and have returned to work.
12/23/2020
We are reporting that 3 employees tested positive for COVID-19 this past week.
- From the Hayden District, one operator
- From the Rail District, one track maintainer
- From the CBM, one hostler
Following our standard protocol, work areas, equipment and other areas of potential exposure were cleaned and disinfected. Additionally, other staff members who had been in contact with the employees were immediately notified.
To date, 126 employees have tested positive for COVID-19, and 96 have fully recovered and have returned to work.
12/18/2020 4:53 p.m.
We are reporting that 10 employees tested positive for COVID-19 this past week.
- From the Hayden District, three operators
- From Woodhill, one shelter maintenance staff
- From the Triskett District, one operator
- From the Rail District, one manager, two supervisors and a track maintainer
- From the Revenue building, one revenue clerk
Following our standard protocol, work areas, equipment and other areas of potential exposure were cleaned and disinfected. Additionally, other staff members who had been in contact with the employees were immediately notified.
To date, 123 employees have tested positive for COVID-19, and 82 have fully recovered and have returned to work.
12/14/2020 5:13 p.m.
We are reporting that 19 employees tested positive for COVID-19 last week.
- From the Hayden District, one operator and one mechanic
- From Paratransit, two schedulers
- From the Main Office Building, two employees
- From Transit Police, two officers
- From the Rail District, one rail maintenance employee, one planner and one booth attendant
- From Central Bus Maintenance, one manager and one mechanic
- From Triskett, three operators
- From Training, two instructors and one student
Following our standard protocol, work areas, equipment and other areas of potential exposure were cleaned and disinfected. Additionally, other staff members who had been in contact with the employees were immediately notified.
To date, 113 employees have tested positive for COVID-19, and 70 have fully recovered and have returned to work.
12/4/2020 2:03 p.m.
We are reporting that 16 employees tested positive for COVID-19 this week.
- From the Hayden District, three operators and one mechanic
- From Paratransit, three schedulers, two reservationists and one administrator
- From the Main Office Building, four administrators
- From Transit Police, one officer
- From the Rail District, one material handler
Following our standard protocol, work areas, equipment and other areas of potential exposure were cleaned and disinfected. Additionally, other staff members who had been in contact with the employees were immediately notified.
To date, 94 employees have tested positive for COVID-19, and 55 have fully recovered and have returned to work.
11/27/2020 12:32 p.m.
The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is reporting that 12 employees tested positive for COVID-19 this week.
- From the Hayden District, two mechanics, one operator and one training instructor;
- From the Triskett District, one bus operator and one hostler;
- From the Rail District, one equipment maintainer and one facilities maintenance worker;
- From Transit Police, two officers;
- From Paratransit, one bus operator and one dispatcher.
Following our standard protocol, work areas, equipment and other areas of potential exposure were cleaned and disinfected. Additionally, other staff members who had been in contact with the employees were immediately notified.
To date, 78 RTA employees have tested positive for COVID-19, and 48 have fully recovered and have returned to work.
11/24/2020 6:43 p.m.
All Staff:
Effective at the close of business hours on Wednesday, November 25, 2020, the Main Office of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority on W. 6th Street will be closed to the public due to state and local public health advisories related to COVID-19.
Entry to the building will be for only employees and those who have appointments scheduled at the Main Office. The closure will continue until further notice.
Employees and visitors with appointments will continue to self-check their temperatures upon arrival.
The customer service office for American’s with Disabilities (ADA) located on the first floor of the RTA Main Office Building will also be closed.
Any ADA customer who needs assistance or who has questions about obtaining or renewing a RTA photo ID should call 216-566-5124.
11/23/2020 2:34 p.m.
11/19/2020 2:37 p.m.
11/20/2020 1:31 p.m.
11/13/2020 3:44 p.m.
11/5/2020 3:03 p.m.
11/5/2020 12:11 p.m.
10/29/2020 3:48 p.m.
10/26/2020 2:55 p.m.
10/21/2020 9:59 a.m.
10/15/2020 4:41 p.m.
9/29/2020 2:49 p.m.
9/21/2020 4:36 p.m.
9/2/2020 6:25 p.m.
8/31/2020 10:52 a.m.
8/28/2020 6:46 p.m.
8/25/2020 5:33 p.m.
8/21/2020 6:33 p.m.
8/19/2020 10:50 a.m.
7/31/2020 4:00 p.m.
7/27/2020 5:49 a.m.
7/22/2020 4:48 p.m.
7/15/2020 6:30 p.m.
7/14/2020 9:51 a.m.
7/9/2020 4:24 p.m.
7/9/2020 11:38 a.m.
7/8/2020 6:51 p.m.
7/2/2020 5:29 p.m.
6/30/2020 11:52 a.m.
6/26/2020 11:05 a.m.
6/24/2020 8:10 p.m.
6/17/2020 6:15 p.m.
6/8/2020 6:17 p.m.
6/5/2020 4:48 p.m.
5/29/2020 4:25 p.m.
5/27/2020 4:42 p.m.
5/22/2020 11:26 a.m.
5/19/2020 3:26 p.m.
5/12/2020 5:56 p.m.
5.11.2020 12:15 p.m.
5.4.2020 5:49 p.m.
5.4.2020 5:06 p.m.
4.24.2020 8:53 a.m.
4.15.2020 9:38 a.m.
4.10.2020 7:39 p.m.
4.5.2020 3:52 p.m
4.3.2020 5:54 p.m.
4.2.2020 4:29 p.m.
Dear Staff:
This is a follow-up to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (ACT) memo that I issued on March 25, 2020. The following is to provide clarification on how RTA will move forward with abiding by and implementing the Act.
- Employees that are subject to: a governmental ordered quarantine, experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, advised to self-quarantine due to COVID-19, caring for anyone else who is subject to a governmental ordered quarantine due to COVID-19, is caring for a son or daughter and the child’s school has been closed or the child’s care provider is unavailable due to COVID-19, or is experiencing a “substantially similar condition” as specified by the federal government will be eligible for up to 80 hours of paid time under the Act effective April 2, 2020.
- With the implementation of the Act, the RTA will cease its voluntary provision of providing up to 80 hours of paid time off to employees that were quarantined, experiencing symptoms, or advised to self-quarantine during the month of March 2020.
- Any employee that uses the paid time off provision under the Act, just as the time provided above by the RTA, will be counted as FMLA time if the employee is eligible for FMLA.
- Employees may also be eligible for Expanded Family Medical Leave (EFML).
- Eligible employees may take time under EFML to care for a child whose school or place of care is close, or child care provider is unavailable, due to COVID-19 related reasons.
- Eligible employees may receive 2/3 of pay for up to 10 weeks of FMLA under EFML. This paid time will not be deducted from an employee’s paid time off accruals. Employees that have used FMLA during the previous rolling 12 months will limit the availability of the 10 weeks of EFML leave. Employees may only use 12 weeks of FMLA in total in any rolling 12 month calendar year.
You may find additional information on the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour website (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-questions) regarding the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the Expanded Family Medical Leave. Additionally, information can be found on the RTA Intranet and Myinfo.gcrta.org under Coronavirus - Updates, Resources, and FAQs and posted at your work locations.
If you have any other questions about leaves under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the Expanded Family Medical Leave provisions, please contact your supervisor. Supervisors will work with the Director of Labor & Employee Relations, to ensure any questions are properly addressed.
India L. Birdsong
General Manager/CEO
3.25.2020 4:21 p.m
Dear Staff:
You may have heard President Trump and/or Governor DeWine discuss the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. This Act allows for additional paid time off due to the impacts of COVID-19. The GCRTA has been implementing many of these procedures on a case by case basis as the Act does not officially become effective until April 2, 2020. This memo formalizes GCRTA’s process for managing this leave. The Act allows for up to an additional 80 hours of paid time off for the following:
- Employee is subject to a governmental ordered quarantine.
- Employee has been advised to self-quarantine due to COVID-19.
- Employee is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Employee is caring for anyone else who is subject to a governmental ordered quarantine due to COVID-19.
- Employee is caring for a son or daughter and the child’s school has been closed or the child’s care provider is unavailable due to COVID-19
- Employee is experiencing a “substantially similar condition” as specified by the federal government.
In accordance with Governor DeWine’s orders, GCRTA will not require employees to provide a doctor’s note to take needed time off or to return to work. Before returning to work, the expectation is that employees who have been ill are to be symptom free for 72 hours and do not have a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher. The GCRTA is hopeful that the need for this time is limited so we may continue our essential business function of providing necessary transportation to the public.
Employees will be eligible for this additional 80 hours of paid time off on a one time only basis. If an employee needs to be absent beyond this 80 hours of paid time, the employee will continue their leave under the GCRTA’s FMLA policy. Employees time off in accordance with the FMLA policy will use their paid time off accruals in accordance with the cascade of paid time noted in the policy.
If you have any other questions about the Families First Coronavirus Response Act leave provisions, please contact your supervisor. Supervisors will work with GCRTA Labor & Employee Relations to ensure any questions and concerns are properly addressed.
India L. Birdsong
General Manager/CEO
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority
3.23.2020 8:35 a.m
AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM OPERS
To our members:
To help control the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and protect our members and employees, we will be transitioning to a full work-from-home environment and closing the OPERS office effective Monday, March 23, 2020. We will continue to have essential personnel in the office.
We did not come to this decision lightly and we remain committed to paying benefits as scheduled and providing essential services to our members.During this closure, we will continue to:
- Pay monthly benefits, on time, to our current benefit recipients
- Process retirement and disability applications, refunds and survivor benefits
- Provide educational opportunities via online webinars and recorded presentations
- Offer one-on-one counseling over the phone
During the closure, we will be unable to answer calls to our 800 number. We’ve added an option to leave a voicemail for important situations or questions. We ask that you only use this feature for questions not addressed by information included in other correspondence or on the phone prompts such as, to report the death of a benefit recipient or request assistance applying for retirement. Staff will listen to the messages and prioritize return calls as quickly as possible. We’ll do our best to accommodate all requests.
In addition to the option to leave a voicemail, you could participate in a daily General Question webinar in which we can answer your questions (see the information below on how to register). Of course, you always have the option of communicating with us via our website.
By visiting opers.org, you can set up your online account, upload documents, email us your questions or concerns, and communicate in a safe secure environment. April benefit payments are scheduled to be released on April 1. There is no need to leave a message asking if your April benefit payment will be issued.
Counseling Sessions
If you already have a scheduled counseling session, we’ll do our best to call you at your scheduled date and time to provide counseling over the phone.Calls from OPERS staff will come from a PRIVATE number and not one listed as OPERS. For your protection please remember, we will never ask you for any form of payment or your Social Security number and will only call you if you left a message or have a scheduled appointment. We will reference the information you left on the voicemail so you know the call is from OPERS staff.
Submitting Documents
If you need to submit an application or other documentation to OPERS, we will continue to process mail sent to us at: 277 E. Town St.Columbus, OH 43215
During this closure, we encourage you to utilize:
- Your online account. You can send a secure message which will be answered by one of our Member Services representatives.
- Daily General Question webinars. During this webinar, held weekdays at 8:30 a.m., we will review the OPERS response plan, show you where you can register for OPERS pension and health care-related webinars and recorded presentations, as well as respond to general questions. Click here to register.
- Our website. You can visit opers.org to access resources such as leaflets, recorded presentations, videos and more. For the most up-to-date information on the office closure, we encourage you to visit our designated COVID-19 response page on opers.org. Your safety and wellbeing is the very reason we are instituting these measures and will keep you informed as things continue to move forward. We thank you for your patience as we navigate these unprecedented events. Stay safe.
Sincerely,
Karen Carraher
OPERS Executive Director
Ken Thomas
Chairman, OPERS Board of Trustees
3.20.2020 3:30 p.m
As many of you know, staying connected is critical especially now. Therefore, we are providing links and instructions on how to access your email from any computer or mobile device and how to forward your desk phone to another phone. Please take a few moments to review how to access email/forward calls.
3.20.2020 2:52 p.m
Thank you for your commitment to RTA as we continue providing daily operations to our customers and communities. In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, keep our employees safe and still provide the necessary support to our operations, we are implementing partial telecommuting (work from home) options.
Our goal is to limit exposure to staff by either distancing at their work environment or by working at home when possible. Please note, because we are a 24/7 operation, a number of employees may not be able to participate in 100% telework/telecommuting. Currently, we are not closing down any of our locations, as RTA provides an essential service to the public. However, we are regularly monitoring ridership and other forces to determine necessary reduction in service levels in the near future.
Please see below for updates regarding telework/telecommuting. All partial telecommuting options will be set up for a two-week period (Monday, 3/23/20 through Sunday, 4/5/20) and then reassessed as we go forward.
You will be hearing from your supervisor shortly regarding the specific plan for your department. Please feel free to direct your questions or concerns to your supervisor or Deputy General Manager.
Who Can Telecommute (Work from Home)
Managers/supervisors have developed schedules for their departments/divisions to determine who can work from home and who will work at our facilities while still maintaining a proper employee presence to support daily operations at our facilities.
For example, a department can rotate staff and allow the option of working three days in the office and two days at home. Request to work from home due to a medical condition will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Human Resources Division and the Office of Equal Opportunity/ADA.
The ability to telecommute is determined by the nature of your duties and if your position’s duties are compatible to working from home. Please understand, all of our employees are essential to our operations.
Equipment/Technology Needs
If you do end up telecommuting (working from home), your manager/supervisor will work with you to ensure you have the proper equipment and technology. Attached are instructions for how to reach GroupWise Web Access to access email and how to forward business phone calls to your cell phone and retrieve voicemail. In addition, any equipment needs (laptops, VPN) will be handled through your managers/supervisors in consultation with the Information Technology Department.
Staying Updated
We continue to communicate regularly with the City, County, State and Federal authorities, follow their protocols and recommended guidance. We will provide coronavirus updates as they become available.
As a reminder, please continue to daily check the intranet and the web at www.riderta.com/coronavirus. These sites will continue to be our primary means of keeping you up to date on any number of topics that are important to you.
Thank you for your cooperation and flexibility as we all navigate this ever-changing environment.
Financial updates:
As of August 31, 2020, total draw-downs on the CARES Act grant amount to $91.1 million leaving approximately $20.8 million in additional funding that can be drawn down. These funds are to mitigate the effect of the lost fare revenue, declines in sales tax revenue and increased costs incurred to fight the Corona virus. Additionally, the funds are being used to purchase materials to keep our staff and riders safe during this pandemic such as tablets that monitor employees' temperatures at each building, cleaning equipment that speeds up the cleaning process on all vehicles, and the purchase of thermometers for staff so they can self-monitor prior to coming to work.
These funds will help us in maintaining service and providing labor stability in these extremely uncertain times. The funds will also assist us to a certain extent in giving back to the community by implementing some of the recommendations of the concluded Service Redesign and the Fare Equity Studies
As of August 7, 2020, total draw-downs on the CARES Act grant amount to $73.7 million leaving approximately $38 million in additional funding that can be drawn down. These funds are to mitigate the effect of the lost fare revenue, declines in Sales Tax revenue and increased costs incurred to fight the Corona virus.
We are now seeing the full effects of the lost sales tax revenue from March, April and May. Additionally, the funds are being used to purchase additional materials to keep our staff and riders safe during this pandemic. For example, tablets that will take employees temperatures at each building, cleaning equipment that speeds up the cleaning process on all vehicles, and the purchase of thermometers for staff so they can self-monitor prior to coming to work.
These funds will help us in maintaining service and providing labor stability in these extremely uncertain times that we foresee in the near future. The funds will also assist us to a certain extent in giving back to the community by implementing some of the recommendations of the concluded Service Redesign and the Fare Equity Studies.
Temperature Taking
GCRTA is implementing a tablet-based temperature scanners as well as utilziing the temperature guns already purchased to monitor emplyees temperatures. All employees will have thier temperature taking prior to begining work.
All employees are to check their temperatures before to reporting to work. In support of those efforts, GCRTA is equiping each employee with their own digital oral thermometer. If an employee has a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher, they should not report to work and properly advise their supervisor of their absence in accordance with proper call-in procedures.
Employees located at the Main Office Building can obtain thier Free Oral Thermometer from Occupational Health by contacting MaTia Phillips or Albert Johnson. Employees in all other locations can obtain thier Free Oral Thermometer from thier immidate supervisor.
Wear because you Care, wear a mask
The best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 is to wear a mask when you are at work, the store, or anywhere you cannot distance yourself from others not in your household. If you are in need of a mask, you can pick them up from:
- Main Office Building from Occupational Health, 2nd floor
- Operators from dispatchers in each district
- All other staff from immediate supervisor
Not sure if there is a benefit to wearing a mask? This graphic illustrates the benefits of wearing a mask and keeping your distance from others. 
Ohio Emergency Partner Credential (EPCS)
EPCS FAQ's
EPCS form
Greater Cleveland RTA Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Counseling services are provided by Moore Counseling & Mediation Services Inc. Services are available to all GCRTA employees and are confidential. If you would like additional information about our EAP program you can contact Katie Pavliga in Benefits at 216-356-3222 or email her at Kathryn.Pavliga@gcrta.org. You can also download the GCRTA EAP brochure.
When can I return to work?
Sick employees are to stay home until ALL of the following return to work criteria are met:
1. At least ten (10) days have passed since symptoms first began, AND
2. Free of fever (without use of medication) for at least 24 hours (one full day), AND
3. There has been improvement in other symptoms.
Click on the link here to go to the GroupWise email. Instructions for set up are:
1. If you don't know your credentials, please contact Helpdesk.
If you want your GroupWise email on your cell phone see instructions:
Setting up Groupwise on an Apple Device.
Setting up Groupwise on an Android Device.
- From your desk phone choose the Forward All option button located below the label on your desk phone.
- Enter 1 and your 10 digit cell phone number.
- A message will appear on your desk phone screen that indicates your desk phone is now forwarded to the number you entered.
NOTE: All calls will remain forwarded until you return to your desk phone and choose Forward Off.
How do I sign into the VPN client and access voicemail off site?
Refer to these instructions.
How do I contact the helpdesk?
You can email them at helpdesk@gcrta.org or call them at 1-216-356-3333.
How do I code Kronos to capture time worked/missed due to the Cornoavirus?
Move hours in Kronos video 1
Move hours in Kronos video 2
Moving time to project in Kronos WFD
Coronavirus Quarantine Testing Notification Protocol
APTA Coronavirus Fact Sheet
CISA Guidance on the essential critical infrastructure workforce
Coronavirus information sheet (GCRTA)
CDC reocommends cloth face coverings
GCRTA EAP
Novel Coronavirus Fact Sheet
Staff Memo 3.12.2020
Wash Your Hands Often to Stay Healthy
MetroHealth Helping Hands Fund
MetroHealth COVID-19 hotline 440-59COVID (440-592-6849)
Pandemic Child Care Coronavirus/COVID-19
Cleveland Clinic COVID-19 hotline 855-697-3750 or 216-442-037
Customers who are facing hardships should call customer service at their utility company at the following numbers:
- Ohio Edison 1-800-633-4766
- The Illuminating Company 1-800-589-3101
- Toledo Edison 1-800-447-3333
- Met-Ed 1-800-545-7741
- Penelec 1-800-545-7741
- Penn Power 1-800-720-3600
- West Penn Power 1-800-686-0021
- Jersey Central Power & Light 1-800-662-3115
- Mon Power 1-800-868-0022
- Potomac Edison 1-800-686-0011
We at Greater Cleveland RTA understand that this is an uncertain time and are working to address employee's questions. While we may not have all the answers at this time, we are working to get them and update employees in a timely manner. We thank you for your service and patience while we navigate this ever changing pandemic.
Staying Information
To date, 210 employees tested positive for COVID-19, and 204 fully recovered and returned to work.
Archive
GCRTA began temperature checking on April 20, 2020 and will continue indefinitely.
Yes, RTA is classified as an Essential Critical Infrastructure and will continue to operate service.
More information on the order is located, essential critical are outlined in paragraph #9 https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/static/DirectorsOrderStayAtHome.pdf.
Employees who have been deemed essential can obtain an Ohio Emergency Partner Credential (EPCS). If you would like to obtain credentials you are required to complete a form and submit it to Richard Kopp and Robert Tulevski. The form and FAQ about emergency partner credentialing are linked above. Please note: Credentialing can take two to five business days to be issued.
If you recieved credentials already, they will be re-newed and you will receive an email advising you they have been extended until January 1, 2021. There is no need for you to do anything further.
The technology is called MoonBeam3 System and it uses UV-C rays to disinfect. It will used to clean high traffic/touch areas, in K-9 vehicles and rooms/areas with highly sensitive electronic equipment. It will also be used in response to an incident that requires a bus or train to be removed from service and disinfect immediately.
For more information on the MoonBeam3 system, you can visit https://www.facebook.com/diversey/videos/278247226154115/
We have ordered two MoonBeam3 systems and took delivery of one on 4/10/2020. The system has been used to disinfect several areas as part of training staff. It is now being used as part of our regular disinfecting process.
The second unit is on order and will ship in approximately six weeks. We will provide further details when the unit ships and goes into service.
To learn more about the MoonBeam3 visit our Blog Post MoonBeam3 Technology.
The “Stay at Home FAQs” are located at https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/home/stay-at-home-information/stay-at-home-order-frequently-asked-questions
GCRTA is implementing new tablet-based temperature scanners as well as utilziing the temperature guns already purchased to monitor emplyees temperatures. All employees will have thier temperature taking prior to begining work.
Also, GCRTA is asking all employees to check their temperatures before they report to their work shifts and equiping employees with oral thermometers. If an employee has a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher, they should not report to work and properly advise their supervisor of their absence in accordance with proper call-in procedures.
The RTA is asking all employees to check their temperatures before they report to their work shifts. In support of those efforts, GCRTA is equiping each employee with their own digital oral thermometer. Employees will check their own temperature prior to coming to work. If an employee has a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher, they should not report to work and properly advise their supervisor of their absence in accordance with proper call-in procedures.
Employees located at the Main Office Building can obtain their Free Oral Thermometer from Occupational Health by contacting MaTia Phillips or Albert Johnson. Employees in all other locations can obtain their Free Oral Thermometer from thier immediate supervisor.
The RTA is asking outside individuals to self-check their temperatures before they arrive. RTA will test vendors/contractors if they arrive when we are performing scans of employees.
Be sure to check your GroupWise email account for possible individual information such as Human Resources notices like FLMA letters. Instructions for accessing email are listed above.
We will update as often as possible.
All GCRTA employees are able to access the Intranet from kiosks and computers at each district. The information will also be available on the MyInfo (myinfo.gcrta.org) page as well. We have also created a webpage on our website that has information as well. If you have questions, please contact your immediate supervisor.
IT
It is myinfo.gcrta.org and you will need your employee ID and password to access.
All GCRTA employees are able to access the Intranet from kiosks and computers at each district. The information will also be available on the MyInfo (myinfo.gcrta.org) page as well. We have also created a webpage on our website that has information as well. If you have questions, please contact your immediate supervisor.
You can email them at helpdesk@gcrta.org or call them at 1-216-356-3333 from 7 am to 5:30 pm.
Refer to these instructions.
Safety
You are not required to wear a face covering; however, it is highly recommended (by the CDC, State and Local health officials) to wear one to protect yourself, fellow co-workers and passengers.
At this time, we are recommending that passengers wear face coverings to protect themselves and others. The CDC as well as State and Local health officials are recommending anyone who is out in public wear a face covering. The GCRTA is playing audio clips on vehicles and posting signs recommending that passengers use face coverings to protect themselves and others.
We have purchased KN95 masks and are working with local tailors and specified staff to manufacture re-usable fabric masks. GCRTA will also have one-time use masks available for those who require them.
You are not required to wear a face covering; however, it is highly recommended (by the CDC, State and Local health officials) to wear one to protect yourself and your co-workers. We are working with local Tailors and specified staff to manufacture re-usable masks that will be available for those interested in them.
We have begun to distribute face coverings to Operators and front line staff. Each district director or building manager will be distributing face coverings as they receive the inventory.
- Maintain physical distance between yourself and other passengers (6' if possible).
- Limit conversations with the passenger. If you must speak with a passenger, please have them stay behind the yellow line.
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly and use hand sanitizer when available.
Our Transit Police are 1st responders and as such wear appropriate protective equipment.
Yes you can, it is important to note that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends wearing a cloth face covering when you go out in public. They recommend a covering that covers your nose and mouth.
For more information on masks/face coverings, you can visit the CDC's page on How to Protect Yourself and Others.
In an effort to take every precaution and keep staff safe, all GCRTA fitness centers have been closed until further notice.
Operations
Please contact your immediate supervisor managers/supervisors as they developed schedules for their departments/divisions to determine who can work from home and who will work at our facilities while still maintaining a proper employee presence to support daily operations at our facilities.
The ability to telecommute is determined by the nature of your duties and if your position's duties are compatible to working from home. Please understand, all of our employees are essential to our operations.
We are updating the employee intranet and MyInfo page with new information regularly. Please check that page as well as GM email updates.
Currently, we are operating at full service according to our regular daily schedules; however, we are continuously monitoring our ridership and should the situation require us to adjust our services in the future, we will notify the public through our website (rideRTA.com) as well as other means.
Yes, until further notice the hours will be 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The W 6th Street building is closed to visitors without an appointment. The building is open to all employees or those who have business appointments. As a result, the ADA Registration office is closed until furhter notice.
No. Effective March 24, 2020, RTA will be suspending service due to low ridership as a result of the Governor;s “Stay at Home” order for Ohioans. Customers may use other Downtown bus routes for essential travel. RTA will resume service at the appropriate time after the Governor lifts the order.
http://www.riderta.com/news/rta-suspends-park-n-ride-and-trolley-service-until-further-notice
This is an uncertain time and we don't know what will happen; however, we will continue to update employees as information becomes available. As a result of the latest announcement, RTA has adjusted service to its Park-N-Ride and downtown Trolley Services. We continue to monitor our ridership and may need to temporarily suspend service accordingly.
Effective Tuesday, March 24, 2020, RTA will be suspending service due to low ridership as a result of the Governor's “Stay at Home” order for Ohioans. RTA will resume service at the appropriate time after the Governor lifts the order. Customers may use the rapid as an alternate route for service to Downtown. RTA suggests customers use the ample free parking available at the following Red Line stations:
- Strongsville Park-n-Ride: use the Brookpark or Puritas Station
- Westlake Park-n-Ride: use the Triskett Station, just off I-90
- North Olmsted Park-n-Ride: use the Brookpark or Puritas Station
Customers must show proof of payment when they exit at Tower City Station.
http://www.riderta.com/news/rta-suspends-park-n-ride-and-trolley-service-until-further-notice
HR/Benefits
Employees are to follow the Coronavirus Quarantine Notification Protocol.
Yes they are. They closed their offices on March 23, 2020; however, employees are working from home in order for them to continue operations. Information on how to contact them is listed above.
Check with your immediate supervisor to adjust your work schedule(s) as necessary to ensure your department business needs are being met.
This Act allows for additional paid time off due to the impacts of COVID-19. The GCRTA has been implementing many of these procedures on a case-by-case basis as the Act does not officially become effective until April 2, 2020.
Diagnostic testing for COVID-19 has been designated an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act. Medical Mutual will cover all diagnostic testing for the virus at 100%. All member cost sharing, including copays, coinsurance and deductibles for these tests will be waived.
If a member is diagnosed with COVID-19, services will be covered based on our current plan design.
If you are a member of Medical Mutual's SuperMed PPO Network, you have access to Cleveland Clinic's Express Care Online. Express Care Online is a secure service that offers 24/7 care with no appointment needed for simple conditions such as sinus infections, cold symptoms, rashes, ear aches and stomach pain.
From your computer, smartphone or tablet, visit clevelandclinic.org/eco or download the Express Care app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
An Express Care Online visit is considered the same as a normal visit to your primary care provider (PCP) $20.
Yes, when medically appropriate and at the provider's discretion. The provider will decide based on what he or she learns during a consultation if a diagnosis is possible, or if you need further examination (e.g., tests, a physical exam, another specialty visit), and if a prescription is appropriate.
Please be advised that any employee who is quarantined as a result of COVID-19 will be eligible for up to a two-week leave with full straight time pay. This pay will not come from any of the employee's paid leave accruals. This time will also be coded as Family Medical Leave (FMLA) if the employee is eligible for FMLA. If the quarantined employee is not eligible for FMLA, the employee's absence for the quarantined period will not count as an absence occurrence under the Authority's Attendance Policy.
For all other questions regarding leaves, please contact Rhonda Branche 216-356-3239 , Nadine DeJesus at 1-216-356-3237 or Scott Ferraro at 216-356-3217.
Misc.
Gov. DeWine has mobilized them to assist with humanitarian needs. They will be assisting in the distribution of food in various communities.
For more information, visit the Ohio Department of Health Pandemic Child Care page.
Videos are located above.
No, you are not able to bring your children to work.