METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

CTAA Releases Report on Transit Agencies and their COVID-19 Vaccination Policies

The survey received a total 120 responses from agencies across the U.S.

by Staff
September 28, 2021
CTAA Releases Report on Transit Agencies and their COVID-19 Vaccination Policies

Over 68% of respondents report that 60% or more of their staff is fully vaccinated.

Photo: CTAA

2 min to read


The Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) surveyed its members to learn more about how community and public transit agencies around the nation are handling COVID-19 vaccination rates and policies.

The survey received a total 120 responses from agencies across the U.S.

Ad Loading...

Over 68% of respondents report that 60% or more of their staff is fully vaccinated. Only 5.8% of respondents reported that they would lose 60% or more of their staff if they were to mandate vaccinations.

"Transit agencies around the nation are facing an extraordinarily tight labor market with driver shortages causing numerous service cancellations," said CTAA Executive Director Scott Bogren. "At the same time, these agencies are working to keep their front-line employees safe through effective COVID-19 vaccination. We wanted to get a better understanding of how our members are managing these major challenges.”

Some ways transit agencies are handling the vaccination issue, according to the report:

  • Providing education and direct engagement about the COVID-19 vaccine to their employees

  • Providing incentives to those who become vaccinated. Incentive examples included $100-$250 payments, no quarantines and providing an extra vacation week

  • Partnering with local medical and leadership groups to educate their employees on vaccine myths

  • Requiring weekly on-site COVID tests to those employees who are not vaccinated

  • Requiring all new employees provide proof of vaccination

  • Providing paid-time off to receive the vaccine and post-vaccine recovery

More Security and Safety

2026 Disaster Response Guide Call for Experts is Open.
Safetyby StaffFebruary 9, 2026

Disaster Readiness Starts Before the Storm [Call for Experts]

The 2026 Disaster Response Guide is officially underway, and we’re now opening a Call for Insights and Experts.

Read More →
A Société de transport de Montréal articulating public transit bus.
Security and Safetyby StaffFebruary 4, 2026

Montreal’s STM Expands Text Message Safety Reporting to Bus Network

The agency opens its text message safety reporting system to buses, enabling discreet, non-urgent reports across Montreal’s entire transit network.

Read More →
A graphic with an image of the CATS Blue Line and text reading "FTA Cites 18 Safety Violations at CATS Following Federal Audit."
Security and Safetyby StaffFebruary 3, 2026

Federal Transit Administration Cites 18 Safety Violations at CATS Following Audit

The audit found multiple safety compliance failures at the Charlotte agency, citing elevated assault risks and ordering corrective action within 30 days.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Security and Safetyby StaffJanuary 22, 2026

Researchers Identify Top Risk Factors for Pedestrian-vehicle Crashes at Massachusetts Bus Stops

While their comprehensive analysis of bus stops focused on Massachusetts, the researchers are excited about the generalizability of the findings and application to other locations.

Read More →
CTA railcar in station.
Technologyby StaffJanuary 16, 2026

CTA Innovation Studio Expands Pilot to Reduce Smoke, Odors

The new filters include substantially more activated carbon than traditional HVAC filters, which is especially helpful in providing a better transit riding experience for vulnerable populations, particularly children, seniors, and people with chronic illnesses, according to the CTA.

Read More →
New MCTS Bus design.
Security and Safetyby StaffJanuary 16, 2026

Milwaukee Rolls Out New Measures to Enhance Bus Safety

MCTS officials said the new pilots are part of a broader commitment to improving the rider experience through proactive, visible safety strategies that balance enforcement with customer support.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Transit signal priority and public transit agencies.
New Mobilityby Alex RomanJanuary 16, 2026

How AI is Redefining Transit Operations and Signal Priority

In a recent episode of METROspectives, LYT CEO Timothy Menard discusses how artificial intelligence, cloud connectivity, and real-time data are transforming traffic management, boosting bus reliability, and enabling system-wide transit optimization across cities.

Read More →
Security and Safetyby StaffJanuary 15, 2026

SEPTA Crime Rates Continue Downward Trend, Report Finds

In addition, Transit Police reported strides in stepped-up enforcement of fare evasion and quality-of-ride offenses.

Read More →

People Movement: Vontas Names New GM and Much More

METRO’s People Movement highlights the latest leadership changes, promotions, and personnel news across the public transit, motorcoach, and people mobility sectors.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A overhead view of an LA Metro rail station platform.
Security and Safetyby StaffJanuary 13, 2026

LA Metro Launches Care-Based Public Safety Division

The new division brings ambassadors, outreach, and crisis response together to improve safety, coordination, and rider experience systemwide.

Read More →