California city protects bus drivers from COVID-19 by installing air cleaning technology

Turlock Transit has installed air cleaning devices across its entire operational bus fleet, making the city of Turlock the first city in California to install these devices. 

The agency plans to install 20 AirLabs AirBubbl air cleaning devices in the driver cabins of its buses by the end of the month, including eight devices which are already installed. The AirBubbl removes more than 95 percent of airborne viruses and contaminated particulate matter and floods the driver area with more than 30,000 liters of clean air every hour, creating a clean air breathing zone for the driver to keep drivers safe. 

AirLabs says the AirBubbl is equally effective at removing air pollution, including harmful ozone gases, nitrogen dioxide (NOx) and particle air pollutants PM2.5 and PM10, playing a vital role in protecting drivers long after the pandemic has passed.  

“California is the epicenter of the COVID-19 crisis in the U.S. and keeping public transit safe and operational during this time is crucial for ensuring that the public can continue to travel safely,” said Marc Ottolini, CEO, AirLabs. “Professional drivers are one of the most at-risk groups from COVID-19 and forward-thinking public transit operators across the world are deploying our innovative air cleaning technology to cut the risk of infection for drivers, protect them against air pollution and keep services running.” 

AirLabs, the UK-based company behind the AirBubbl device, has also developed a new air cleaning device for the passenger cabins of public transportation, including bus and rail. AirLabs AiroSafe is designed to remove airborne virus particles from the passenger cabins of public transport by creating a personal clean air zone for every seat. The company aims to install the first AiroSafe units early this year and is currently setting up strategic partnerships with public transport manufacturers and operators. 

AirBubbl devices have been installed by Turlock Transit as part of a range of measures implemented to protect drivers and passengers throughout the pandemic, including additional disinfecting measures for buses, fewer passengers to aid social distancing, provision of free hand sanitizer and face masks if needed and a requirement for everyone to wear face masks while traveling. 

“California faces a huge health challenge both from COVID-19 and from harmful air pollution. These issues are particularly prevalent in the Central Valley and can’t be ignored,” said Wayne York, transit manager, Turlock Transit. “Rider and driver safety is our number one priority and we have implemented a range of safety measures across our fleet to keep our services safe for all. By installing the AirBubbl in our fleet, we are continuing to enhance the safety of our services and protect our drivers and passengers.”