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1. How often are Modesto Area Express (MAX) and Modesto Area Dial-A-Ride (MADAR) buses cleaned?

Modesto Area MAX (MAX) is using hospital-grade disinfectant in stations and on-board buses. Buses are wiped down while at the Transit Center during the day, and a thorough cleaning is conducted every night. Station touchpoints are wiped down multiple times each day.

2. Will Modesto Area Express (MAX) provide me with a mask since it’s required?

All Modesto Area Express (MAX) and Modesto Area Dial-A-Ride (MADAR) drivers and staff have masks available by request for those who need one to ride. MAX also encourages riders to create face coverings using recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC). www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html    

3. What if I have a medical condition and can’t wear a mask?

The  Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects individuals who are unable to wear a mask or facial covering due to a medical condition. If everyone that can wear a mask does, it will protect the most vulnerable among us who are unable to do so

4. How does technology help me social distance on Modesto Area Express (MAX)?

Modesto Area Express (MAX) offers contactless payments onboard the buses. Riders are encouraged to get the Token Transit smartphone app to purchase and use fares on board. This will reduce lines at customer service and reduce customer touchpoints at the farebox. The Modesto myStop, Modesto Area Express (MAX) smartphone app allows riders to check the number of riders currently on board. If a bus is getting crowded, passengers can choose to take a different route or wait for the next bus to maintain safe social distances.

5. Who is required to wear a mask on Modesto Area Express (MAX) and Modesto Area Dial-A-Ride (MADAR) vehicles?

Modesto Area Express (MAX) requires face coverings at all time for all riders ages 13 and older. Consistent with state order, children aged 12 and younger are not required to wear face coverings and children aged 2 or younger should not wear one because of the risk of suffocation.

6. Is Modesto Area Express (MAX) looking into things like hand sanitizer stations or air purification systems?

Modesto Area Express (MAX) will continue to explore new technologies used by transit systems across the world in response to the pandemic. For example, Modesto Area Express (MAX) is evaluating air filtration systems that clean the air on board and hand sanitizing stations onboard all vehicles.

7. Who do I call if I see the mask requirement being violated by a rider or driver?

Modesto Area Express (MAX) and Modesto Area Dial-A-Ride (MADAR) have a staff of Customer Service representatives who have the tools available to answer rider questions, record complaints or concerns about COVID-19 precautions, and even forward recommendations to Transit Managers. Call (209) 552-2470.

8. Where does Modesto Area Express (MAX) get the authority to require me to wear a mask?

On June 18, the California Department of Public Health, by orders of Governor Newsom, mandated that individuals must wear a mask or face covering while “Waiting for or riding on public transportation or paratransit or while in a taxi, private car service, or ride-sharing vehicle…” Gov. Newsom has broad authority under the California Emergency Services Act to issue health mandates during a pandemic.