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:
- 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.
- Wearing Gloves - GoBus Vehicle Operators have been encouraged to wear gloves when necessary.
- 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.
- Limiting Trips to Essential Trips Only
- 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
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Recently, the Texas Veterans Commission's (TVC) Fund for Veterans' Assistance (FVA) announced its largest funding in the 16-year history of FVA programs, with 213 grants totaling $46,315,000 to provide services to an estimated 40,000 veterans. ETCOG is proud to be one of the grant recipients selected with $250,000 of those funds to provide GoBus transportation services for veterans in our 14-county service region. "It is an honor to receive this funding award from the Texas Veterans Commission and Chair Koerner, which allows us to continue our mission to support all East Texas veterans," said Vince Huerta, GoBus Director. "We are dedicated to growing the program and look forward to assisting more veterans this year." With the grant, our public transit system, GoBus, will fund trips to and from medical, dental, and mental health appointments, as well as trips for basic needs such as grocery stores, community meetings, voting, court appearances, and tax offices. These trips are available to veterans, veteran spouses and dependents, survivor spouses, and active military personnel. The grant is in partnership with over $46.3 million in grants for veterans, Governor Abbott announced on May 20 . “Texas is forever indebted to the brave men and women who answered the call to serve in our nation's military,” said Governor Abbott. “The State of Texas is home to over 1.5 million veterans—more than any other state. This has shaped our mission to provide wide-ranging services for veterans and their families. With over $46,315,000 in state grants, Texas will help thousands of veterans and their families access vital support and resources needed to thrive in our great state. Texas will always support our veterans and honor their sacrifices to our state and our nation.” Find out about all veteran transport services GoBus offers by visiting www.gobustransit.com/govet .
ETCOG is excited to share progress on the new GoBus Transportation Facility, which is nearing completion and expected to open this summer.
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.
