Capital Transit adjusts bus stops due to construction in Douglas

INFORMATION RELEASE
May 18, 2021

The State of Alaska’s Douglas Bridge and Highway Resurfacing and Sidewalk Repairs project is causing intermittent service changes to Capital Transit bus stops near the Douglas Breeze In:

• Effective immediately, the inbound to Douglas stop across from the Breeze In will be closed.
• Beginning the week of May 24, the inbound to Juneau stop in front of the Breeze In will be moved closer to the roundabout.

The changes will be in effect until construction in those immediate areas are complete. Your continued patience is appreciated.

For more information, call Capital Transit at 789-6901.

CBJ revises rules on masking in light of updated CDC guidance

INFORMATION RELEASE
May 14, 2021

If you are fully vaccinated, the City and Borough of Juneau no longer requires masks be worn in most indoor or outdoor settings. CBJ revised its COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies to reflect the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated guidance for fully vaccinated people. Individuals are fully vaccinated two weeks after the receipt of one dose of a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine, or the second dose in a two-dose series. CDC still recommends unvaccinated people wear masks and social distance. Everyone – regardless of vaccination status – must continue to wear a mask on Capital Transit, in Juneau International Airport, Juneau School District facilities, Bartlett Regional Hospital, and in any local business, workplace, healthcare, or other setting that still requires it.

“This will feel like an abrupt change to some people and it will take time to get comfortable with these new rules. Some fully vaccinated people may still choose to wear masks, and that’s OK,” City Manager Rorie Watt said. “Juneau has worked hard at keeping COVID-19 in check and we’ve made good strides in our vaccination rate. But let’s not forget that kids under the age of 12 cannot, at this time, get the vaccine. While most kids with COVID-19 have mild cases, some do develop serious illness or long-lasting symptoms. As our community transitions to these updated mitigation strategies, it’s important to be considerate and respectful of our neighbors.”

With more than 50 percent of Juneau fully vaccinated, the overall community risk level is still at Level 1b – Minimal. These revised mitigation strategies, which are currently in effect, no longer have restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals:

• Masks/Social Distance: Masks must still be worn in indoor public areas and outdoors in crowded events by those who are not yet fully vaccinated.
• Large Gatherings: Indoor gathering size should be limited to maintain 6-ft social distance if people who are not fully vaccinated are present. Masks must be worn by those who are not fully vaccinated.
• Restaurants and Bars: Patrons who are not fully vaccinated must wear a mask unless actively eating or drinking. Maintaining 5 feet distance between parties/tables is recommended.
• Personal Services and Gyms: Masks must be worn by those who are not fully vaccinated. Limiting capacity to maintain 6-ft social distance is recommended.
• Travel: Follow State of Alaska Health Advisories. Unvaccinated travelers are recommended (but not required) to either take a pre-travel test or a free COVID-19 airport test, avoid indoor public areas and crowded locations until you get your test result, and return to the airport for a follow-up test in 5-14 days.

Find out where to get a COVID-19 vaccine at juneau.org/vaccine or here. For more information, email COVIDquestions@juneau.org.

INFORMATION RELEASE
April 14, 2021

Hospital Drive Reconstruction Project starts Friday, April 16

Construction for the City and Borough of Juneau’s Hospital Drive Reconstruction project will begin on April 16 and end around June 15. The project involves installing a new water line in the area. During construction, drivers, bus riders, and pedestrians will experience the following traffic changes:

• Hospital Drive will be closed from Salmon Creek Lane to Hospital Access Road. Emergency vehicles, visitors, and employees will have to travel on Salmon Creek Lane to arrive at their destination.
• The Capital Transit bus stop at Bartlett Regional Hospital will be temporarily moved to the parking lot across from the Juneau Medical Center. Capital Transit will conduct bus service for the hospital campus by traveling on Salmon Creek Lane and turning around on Hospital Access Road. The new bus route will continue throughout the duration of this phase of construction.
• Pedestrian access will be provided on Hospital Drive for as much of the construction project as possible.

For more information on the project, contact CBJ Project Manager John Nelson at 957-2187 or John.Nelson@juneau.org, or Justin Kanouse with DOWL at 723-9701 or jkanouse@dowl.com. For more information on Capital Transit, call 789-6901.

INFORMATION RELEASE
April 8, 2021

Capital Transit unveils first all-electric, zero-emission bus
Bus will be in service starting April 14

Juneau residents will begin to see Capital Transit’s first battery-electric bus in service and on the road April 14. This is the first electric bus owned and operated by a public transit agency in Alaska.

“The City and Borough of Juneau is committed to bringing clean, safe, and reliable public transportation to its ridership and the community,” Public Works and Engineering Director Katie Koester said. “Capital Transit drivers and mechanics have been retraining to operate and maintain the new 40-foot long bus and to learn the nuances of its integrated battery management system. We have eliminated oil changes.”

Capital Transit unveiled the bus, manufactured in California by Proterra, during an event earlier today. Juneau Mayor Beth Weldon hosted the dedication ceremony of the first battery-electric bus to join Capital Transit’s fleet. Guests included Governor Mike Dunleavy, State Senator Jesse Kiehl, Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) Commissioner John MacKinnon, and Proterra representative Mark Hollenbeck.

The new bus will be servicing the Mendenhall Express route, which travels via Glacier Highway between the Downtown Transit Center and the Mendenhall Mall, which is the location of Capital Transit’s future transfer site.

Original funding for the electric bus came from the U.S Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration (FTA) through the Low-or No-Emission (Low-No) Grant Program. The program provides funding for state and local governmental authorities to purchase or lease zero-emission and low-emission transit buses. Funding was passed through DOT&PF and a matching grant was provided by the Alaska Energy Authority under the Volkswagen Settlement fund. Capital Transit already uses three electric cars as support vehicles, purchased through grant funding from DOT&PF.

The CBJ Assembly has set a goal of 80 percent renewable energy by 2045. The bus is another step toward that goal and, with the help of many supporters, Capital Transit has been successful in being awarded Low- and No-Emission grants for four consecutive years. CBJ plans to use those funds to replace seven 201 diesel buses that are at the end of their useful life.

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For more information, contact Capital Transit’s Denise Guizio at 907-789-6901 or denise.guizio@juneau.org

INFORMATION RELEASE
February 23, 2021.

Wearing masks on public transportation & at airport is a CBJ requirement. It’s also federal law.

To prevent the Spread of COVID-19 in Juneau, members of the public have long been required to wear a mask on public transportation and at the Juneau International Airport. As of last month, the rule is also a federal law. Capital Transit, CAPITAL AKcess, and the Juneau International Airport require proper wearing of face masks at all times. Failure to comply will result in denial of service on Capital Transit and CAPITAL AKcess; or removal or denial of entry at the airport.

• You must wear a mask that has two or more layers of a breathable fabric that is tightly woven over your mouth and nose at all times when riding a Capital Transit or CAPITAL AKcess bus, at bus stops, and at transit centers; as well as at the airport.
• The following face coverings are not authorized and are not substitutes for a double-layered mask: plastic face shields, masks with valves, ski masks, scarves, bandannas, single layer gators, loose knitted material used as a face covering, and coat cuffs.
• Children under the age of 2 are exempt from the law, as well as those who need a medical exemption.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Order implements President Biden’s Executive Order 13998, “Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel.” The Transportation Security Administration also issued a Security Directive requiring masks.

Fore more information, contact Capital Transit at 789-6901.

INFORMATION RELEASE
December 17, 2020

Capital Transit to resume fare collection in February

Due to the recent installation of plexiglass shields for the bus operators, Capital Transit will resume collecting fares starting February 1, 2021. The City and Borough of Juneau’s public transit system has been offering service free of charge since March. For more information on fares and passes, go here.

Please note: VIP and ADA pass holders may be required to briefly lower masks for verification of identity. If you require a new disability bus pass, please visit the Capital Transit Bus Barn at 10099 Bentwood Place.

Fore more information, contact Capital Transit at 789-6901.

INFORMATION RELEASE
December 16, 2020

Juneau’s first electric bus arrived today.

Capital Transit’s first electric bus from Proterra arrived in Juneau by barge today. The City and Borough of Juneau expects it’ll be ready for the public to ride in February. This will be the first public transit electric bus owned by a transit agency in the state of Alaska.

In the meantime, the electric bus will be at Capital Transit’s maintenance facility. Proterra will activate the bus charger, and provide training to Capital Transit operators and mechanics in January. This is one of several electric buses Juneau will receive in the coming few years.

Original funding came from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration (FTA) through the Low- or No-Emission (Low-No) Grant Program. The program provides funding for state and local governmental authorities to purchase or lease zero-emission and low-emission transit buses. Funding was passed through the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities.

Juneau’s first electric bus was manufactured in California by Proterra.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
November 25, 2020

Capital Transit increasing capacity limits starting Friday

Due to changes within the buses, Capital Transit is increasing bus capacity limits to twelve (12) riders and reinstating front door boarding for all passengers starting Friday, November 27. Capital Transit has installed plexiglass protective barriers around all drivers, allowing passengers to, once again, board through the front door. In addition, Capital Transit will be opening the roped-off front area of each bus, allowing the increase in passenger capacity.

Capital Transit continues to ask riders to wear masks over the mouth and nose while boarding and riding Capital Transit or CAPITAL AKcess. Please maintain maximum social distancing while riding and waiting to board. Capital Transit appreciates the community’s understanding and patience.

As a reminder, Capital Transit and CAPITAL AKcess will not be operating tomorrow, November 26, in recognition of the Thanksgiving Day Holiday. Full service will resume on Friday, November 27.

For more information, contact Capital Transit at 789-6901. Learn more about COVID-19 in Juneau at juneau.org/covid-19.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
November 20, 2020

Schedule changes for Capital Transit effective Nov. 23

Capital Transit is implementing the following schedule adjustments effective Monday, November 23 until further notice:

• All time points for the temporary Express service between the Downtown Transit Center (DTC) to the Mendenhall Mall will be 5 minutes earlier for all stops.
• The morning commuter service starting from Auke Bay at 7:10 a.m. will have earlier time points starting from the Nugget Mall.
• The Route 1 Douglas and Route 3 and 4 Valley buses will now leave the Downtown Transit Center 5 minutes later than the scheduled time.

All other time points for these routes are unchanged. See the timetables for Mendenhall Mall Express here.

Fore more information, contact Capital Transit at 789-6901.