GoBus Limits Trips to Essential Trips Only

March 27, 2020

GOBUS

GoBus began restricting trips to essential trips only on March 26th. Essential Trips are determined according to the guide below. ETCOG and GoBus would like to ensure our partners of the increased measures we have implemented to supplement the more common steps individuals can take to protect themselves from the virus. GoBus has adopted preventive practices from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Guide for Public Transportation Pandemic Planning and Response (NCHRP, 2013) and will continue to make any necessary changes recommended by the CDC. 

All GoBus drivers are following the added precautions:
  1. Extra Hand Washing - GoBus Management has required drivers to wash hands as frequently as possible and utilize hand sanitizer when soap and water are not readily available.
  2. Wearing Gloves - GoBus Vehicle Operators have been encouraged to wear gloves when necessary. 
  3. Disinfecting Vehicles Twice A Day - Vehicles are sprayed with an EPA certified disinfectant twice daily (mid-day and end-of-day), paying close attention to handrails, armrests and seat backs. 
  4. Limiting Trips to Essential Trips Only
  5. Suspending Fares - GoBus will not collect fares from passengers at this time. This will limit interactions between our drivers and passengers.

Essential Trip Guide

We have limited our trips to essential trips only at this time. 
Essential trips are for individuals going to work or to visit locations based upon the guide below. 
ESSENTIAL
HEALTHCARE
Pharmacy
Hospital
Dentist
Veterinarian

SOME RETAIL
Grocery Stores
Gas Stations
Online Retailers
Restaurants (carry out)

INFRASTRUCTURE
Government
Utilities
Media
Mail

PROFESSIONAL
Banks
Legal, Accounting, Insurance, etc

PROPERTY
Hardware Stores
Plumbers, Electricians, Service Providers, etc. 
Laundromats
NON ESSENTIAL
ENTERTAINMENT
Theaters
Museums
Bowling Alleys

PERSONAL HYGIENE
Salons
Tattoo Parlors
Massage Studios

SOME RETAIL
Clothing Stores
Athletic Stores
Hobby Stores

LIFESTYLE
Gyms
Restaurants (dine in)
Bars

You might also like

Three people are standing in front of a bus that says go bus
By GoBus April 2, 2025
Exciting news for Anderson County residents! GoBus’ new on-demand microtransit service, GoNOW, has completed its first month of operation in Palestine—and the results are in! In its first 30 days, GoNOW provided approximately 400 trips, averaging 20 rides per day, helping to increase overall ridership in Anderson County by 25%. This strong demand highlights the community’s need for flexible, on-demand transportation. Launched on March 1, GoNOW makes getting around easier than ever. Like Uber, riders can request a trip through a mobile app or by phone, ensuring quick pickups, shorter wait times, and the trusted reliability of GoBus. For just $2 per trip, GoNOW operates Monday through Friday, 7 AM - 3 PM, covering a 10-square-mile area in Palestine. Seniors may qualify for sponsored trips, and as always, veterans and active military ride free. The easiest way to ride? Download the GoBus app! Using GoNOW is simple: 📲 Download the app (App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android) 📞 Call our office at 903-218-6450 to register an account ✉️ Sign up with your designated email address and chosen password 🚗 Click "Book a New Trip" and get moving! With a successful first month behind us, GoBus looks forward to continuing to provide this convenient service to Palestine residents. If you haven’t tried GoNOW yet, now is the perfect time! For more information, call 903-218-6450. 
A woman is sitting in the driver 's seat of a bus.
By GoBus March 25, 2025
The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) and GoBus will host a Hiring Event for public transit driver positions on Thursday, March 27. GoBus is ETCOG's rural, demand-response public transit system, with approximately 75 vehicles, making around 500 trips a day, five days a week, throughout 14 counties in East Texas. We are working with Compunnel Staffing to hire local and regional public transit drivers for full-time and part-time positions. The hiring event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Workforce Solutions East Texas, located at 4100 Troup Highway, Tyler, TX 75703. "We’re excited to return to Tyler for this event, which continues to be a great success year after year. We truly appreciate our partnership with Workforce Solutions East Texas for hosting and supporting this job fair. It’s a perfect opportunity for job seekers to connect with our GoBus team, learn more about our services, ask questions, and even be considered for an on-site interview," said ETCOG Assistant Executive Director Brandy Brannon. "GoBus is integral to the region and its communities, providing connectivity, fostering economic activity, and ensuring safe, reliable, and friendly transportation services. GoBus staff are dedicated and caring individuals representing the core of East Texans. In seeking new team members, we hope to present a culture that prioritizes the community and those who work to aid its citizens," said ETCOG's Director of Transportation, Vince Huerta. "We welcome new individuals with support through an open door policy, competitive pay, and plenty of growth opportunities. We are excited to build upon the amazing GoBus family!" Positions are available to serve in Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood counties. ETCOG is seeking applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of two years of professional driving and customer service experience. A CDL is preferred but not required.
By GoBus February 12, 2025
Exciting news for Anderson County residents! GoBus is expanding its services with GoNOW, an innovative microtransit pilot program launching on March 1 in Palestine, Texas. GoNOW brings flexible, on-demand transportation to the community, making it easier than ever to get where you need to go. Like Uber, riders can request a trip through a mobile app or by phone, ensuring quick pickups, shorter wait times, and the trusted reliability of GoBus. For just $2 per trip, GoNOW will operate Monday through Friday, 7 AM - 3 PM, covering a 10-square-mile area in Palestine. Seniors may qualify for sponsored trips, and as always, veterans and active military ride free. Stay tuned for more details on how to ride with GoNOW and experience the future of public transit in East Texas! This is a demonstration project funded by the Texas Department of Transportation. For more information, visit www.gobustransit.com or call 903-218-6450.
More Posts

Book a Service Today