Transdev Transportation recognizes AVTA leadership for handling of COVID-19 crisis

 Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA) leadership was recognized by Transdev Transportation General Manager Rene' Alvarez for AVTA’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis.

“AVTA, under the leadership of Macy Neshati, Martin Tompkins and the AVTA Board of Directors deserves to be recognized and thanked,” said Alvarez. “The early protective steps taken, the innovative solutions and the compassionate approach to managing this crisis has likely contributed to the reason we have had no COVID-19 cases at this location.”

AVTA says it acted early to take steps to promote a healthy environment for riders and employees. The authority increased the frequency of cleaning procedures, communicated with employees to address concerns and equipment needs, established cleaning and disinfecting teams at the transportation centers, reduced maximum capacity and instituted rear door boardings and free fares in order to promote social distancing.

“We simply put people first,” said AVTA CEO Macy Neshati. “We made the decisions necessary to protect people while making certain we could continue to get people where they needed to go.”

Transdev Transportation held a meeting at the AVTA office in Lancaster, Calif., to present a plaque and formerly thank the AVTA team. Martin Tomkins, AVTA COO, and Neshati received the plaque, thanking Transdev and their team for being on the frontline during these trying times.

“We’re not out of the woods yet,” said Neshati. “The things you’ve learned over the past eight weeks, keep doing. Stay safe. Make good decisions. Social distance. Wash your hands.”