FACT’s COVID-19 Updates & Guidlines

As COVID-19 continues to evolve, FACT’s mission to ensure our passengers get to their destination as safely as possible stays strong. This page will be updated with the most recent updates and Coronavirus news for the riders we serve.

In order to comply with CDC regulations, we’ve compiled resources along with driver, rider, and local updates to proactively help San Diego residents stay protected during the stay at home order.

Continue to visit this page for the latest updates and servicing guidelines.

How We Are Helping All San Diego Residents During COVID-19

We know that COVID-19 has impacted everyone. Because we want to assist during this crisis, FACT is offering free transportation for seniors aged 60+, persons with disabilities, students, veterans, and other residents who need to make essential trips during the stay-at-home order.

FACT also provides transportation at the request of the County to transport homeless individuals (symptomatic and asymptomatic) to and from shelters, hotels, and other sites as requested by county staff.

Working with Community Partners

We are working with County Aging and Independence and 2-1-1 San Diego to provide transportation assistance to social service agencies who need FACT’s brokerage to provide meal pickup and delivery. Our vendors pick up meals on weekday mornings and deliver to various locations throughout the county. FACT has offered similar assistance to cities and other agencies through CAM and outreach to San Diego County Supervisors. For the months of April-May, 583 of these trips were provided.

For any questions on the above information please contact Cynthia Pedersen, Office Manager, (760) 754-1252. You may also call 2-1-1 to speak to someone if you have general questions regarding COVID-19. We will provide updates with any new developments.

Supporting You in Your Safety and Health

FACT continues to service vulnerable populations including seniors, persons with disabilities, and others with mobility challenges while maintaining safety protocols for riders and drivers as prescribed by the CDC.

Read below for more information.

Riders
For your safety and the safety of others:

Please wear a face covering or mask when riding or within six feet of a driver or fellow passenger.
Stay home when you’re sick
Refrain from unnecessary travel
Cover your coughs and sneezes
Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Social distance at six feet whenever possible
Utilize the backseat to maintain social distancing when possible

Drivers
For your safety and the safety of others:

Please wear a face covering or mask when riding or within 6 feet of a driver or fellow passenger.
Stay home when you’re sick
Refrain from unnecessary travel
Cover your coughs and sneezes
Ask passengers to sit in the backseat and six feet apart if within the same vehicle
Avoid ridesharing as much as possible unless riders are from the same household
Sanitize the vehicle in between passengers and at the end of your shift

Resources to Keep You in The Know

FACT is currently fully staffed at this time. RideFACT services may be affected if our vendors such as the taxicab services and LYFT are unable to respond to service requests due to COVID-19. Escondido Senior Nutrition transportation service has been suspended by the City until further notice.

To arrange a ride, call between 8 AM and 3 PM, Monday through Friday. We also ask that the name of the rider requesting the ride, along with the pick-up address and time be given when appointment scheduling. If possible, we do ask that you call at least one day in advance as rides are available on a first-come-first-served basis.

Check out these additional insights:

Ride Well To Age Well Transportation Guide: Special Covid-19 Edition >>

CDC: How to Protect Yourself When Using Transportation >>

CDC: What Rideshare, Taxi, Limo and Passenger Drivers-for-Hire Need to know About COVID-19 >>

What are FACT's safety measures surrounding COVID-19?

FACT recommends our vendors and passengers wash hands often for a minimum of 20 seconds, utilize hand sanitizer, hand wipes, gloves, and avoid contact with hard surfaces as much as possible.

What if a driver appears sick?

The passenger has the option to decline the ride. Unfortunately, we are not able to reschedule declined rides because we expect fewer drivers will be working.

What if the passenger appears sick?

We anticipate some drivers may refuse the trip. We will attempt to arrange for another ride.

What if a shared ride passenger appears sick?

FACT recommends its vendors suspend shared passenger rides at this time. If the incoming passenger refused the ride due to another passenger appearing ill on board, we will attempt to arrange another ride.

Should drivers provide personal assistance that involves physical contact?

FACT recommends drivers wear gloves if passenger assistance is required or when handling cash and baggage, and other items that might transmit the virus.

FACT recommends vendors utilize alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol and will share in the cost of purchasing for this item. FACT staff will call our vendors each day to review general driver attendance/availability, or any issues with riders pertaining to the virus and remind them of the safety protocol. FACT staff will regularly check for updated information concerning COVID-19 and adjust precautions in light of new developments and/or recommendations.

At FACT, we strive every day to make sure you feel safe and protected. Please contact
FACT customer service at 888-924-3228, Monday-Friday, 9 AM – 4 PM for any
concerns or to report unsanitary behavior during your ride.

Contact FACT