Quarterly RIDE Spring 2021
Message from the CEO
It is hard to believe that over one year ago, everyone’s lives changed with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. While life changed and, in some instances, closed down, LBT continued to operate.
We adjusted schedules, amplified cleaning procedures, and learned so much along the way. I know it has been a challenge and, as your CEO, I am proud of how the LBT family responded.
Looking back, we have accomplished much and, looking forward, we have reason to be optimistic.
First, thank you to the many LBT employees that have received their COVID-19 vaccines.
This is the critical first step in getting back to a more normal way of doing business. I am very pleased with the positive response from so many LBT employees to get vaccinated.
If you have not yet received the vaccine, get it! Many of our employees have already received the second dose. Ask around … your colleagues will tell you it is safe, effective and the best way to protect yourself, your family, your friends, your coworkers and your community.
Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released guidelines letting us know that “… people who are two weeks past their final shot may visit indoors with unvaccinated members of a single household at low risk of severe disease.”
That is great news for people who have missed seeing their close family for over a year.
It is important to note that this month, we will be installing operator barriers on all LBT buses. It will take about a month to get them installed and once complete, it will offer another layer of protection for our frontline Operators. Getting these barriers installed also helps clear the path to begin charging fare.
Please stay tuned for more information.
I want to close my column by letting everyone know about the progress LBT is making with the new corporate administrative offices at 4801 Airport Plaza Drive. When LBT conducted a facilities assessment in 2018, it identified the need for more space for vehicles and employees. While the pandemic slowed LBT’s growth, that need for more space continues to exist and is even more relevant in our post-COVID world.
As reported previously, LBT purchased the property at 4801 Airport Plaza Drive from the Port of Long Beach and we are making progress towards occupying the space.
LBT is working with an architecture firm to plan the existing space to our needs.
The next steps will be interior improvements and space configuration.
As we make progress, I will keep you informed about the plans for the new building and the planned improvements to LBT1 and LBT2 to accommodate zero-emission vehicles and LBT employees.
COVID-19 Vaccine Safety
LBT encourages all employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine as it is made available.
Help Stop the Pandemic by Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine.
To stop this pandemic, we need to use all our prevention tools. Vaccines are one of the most effective tools to protect your health and prevent disease. Vaccines work with your body’s natural defenses so your body will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed.
COVID-19 Vaccines Are Safe and Effective
The U.S. vaccine safety system makes sure that all vaccines are as safe as possible. Studies conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) show that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and very effective at keeping you from getting COVID-19.
COVID-19 Side Effects.
After COVID-19 vaccination, you may experience some side effects. These are normal signs that your body is building protection. The side effects from COVID-19 vaccination may feel like a flu and might even affect your ability to do daily activities. Most of these side effects should go away in a few days.
COVID-19 Vaccine Will Be Free For You.
The federal government is providing the vaccine free of charge to people living in the United States. However, your vaccination provider may bill your insurance company, Medicaid, or Medicare for an administration fee.
To learn more about the COVID-19 Vaccine, visit teamlbt.com/vaccine.
Moving you through
In Fall 2020, LBT launched a new campaign ‘LBT Moving You Through,’ to inform customers about LBT’s continued commitment to keeping its employees and essential workers in our community safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
The ‘LBT Moving You Through’ campaign continues to play an integral role in our communication to customers and community members. It’s been a year since the pandemic began and LBT continues to provide essential service to our customers, helping to keep our communities moving.
To see some of the latest campaign collateral, please visit teamlbt.com/moving.
Hello LBTeam
Hello LBTeam is a voluntary internal communication system that uses text messages to share important information on LBT operations with employees, including service changes, COVID-19 procedures and other necessary information. It is a quick and easy way to be in the know.
To sign-up, just text “HELLO” to 855.922.2770 to opt-in, no additional app download needed.
If you have questions regarding Hello LBTeam or need assistance signing up, please contact Amanda Quezada, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, at x8463 or aquezada@lbtransit.com.
Meet The IT Department
Meet LBT’s IT department! Led by Patrick Pham, Executive Director/VP of Information Technology, the IT department oversees the installation and maintenance of computer network systems within LBT. Our IT department works hard to ensure that the network runs smoothly, evaluating and installing the proper hardware and software necessary to keep the network functioning properly. As many employees transitioned to a work-from-home hybrid schedule, IT has played a huge role in ensuring LBT’s day-to-day business runs smoothly. Whether it’s an email issue, lost VPN connection or phone troubles, IT is here to help!
Visit teamlbt.com/IT to learn more about the IT team and all the incredible work they do.
Operator Barriers
At LBT’s February 2021 Board Meeting, the approval was made to move forward with the installation of clear polycarbonate Operator Barriers on all LBT buses. The installation is expected to be completed by the end of May with the plan of returning to fare collection in July. More information will be provided once the barrier installation is complete. To stay up to date on the latest LBT news, sign-up for Hello LBTeam or check back here on teamlbt.com.
Congrats to All the Employees of the Month!
Thank you to all the Employees of the Month who have shown their hard work and dedication over the last quarter. To celebrate and acknowledge the incredible workforce at LBT, Quarterly RIDE will now feature all the Employees of the Month from the previous quarter.