Ensuring Your Bus Travel is Safer with Our Protocols

In June, the Ministry of Tourism launched the “Responsible Tourism – Clean and Safe” seal to certify registered and regularized companies in the tourism sector, complying with COVID-19 hygiene and prevention protocols.

Safety Protocols for Tourist Transport Companies

The protocol is straightforward, divided into basic and specific parts. The first section focuses on physical establishments, covering customer and staff management. The second part addresses boarding procedures for companies operating in bus stations and vehicle sanitization.

Essential measures include:

• Providing 70% alcohol in various forms (liquid, gel, spray, wipes).
• Ensuring hand hygiene with soap and water or 70% alcohol.
• Disinfecting vehicles with 70% ethanol.
• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces frequented by staff and customers.
• Mandatory mask usage.
• Using hands-free trash bins.
• Supplying liquid soap and disposable paper towels in restrooms.
• Implementing a disinfectant mat at the entry point.
• Providing information on hygiene practices, mask usage, and social distancing.

These preventive measures are akin to those we should follow everywhere, including at home. Be cautious of “solutions” that deviate from these standards, such as curtains separating seats or ultraviolet rays, which may serve more for marketing than actual passenger protection.

What Cobra Viagens is Doing

Cleaning and maintaining our buses has always been a mandatory practice. Vehicles are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before starting a journey, again upon reaching their destination, and once more after returning to the company.

Moving forward, in addition to our standard procedures, we will disinfect the entire vehicle using a biosafety solution and subsequently sanitize all surfaces with 70% alcohol. Throughout the journey, the following measures will be implemented:

At the Start of the Trip:

• The bus will depart fully disinfected.
• Drivers and passengers must wear masks during the trip.
• Passengers will walk over a disinfectant mat before entering the bus.
• Passengers will be informed about personal preventive practices against COVID-19.
• Hand sanitizer dispensers and hygiene supplies will be available in the bus restroom.
• Blankets and pillows will not be provided to minimize contact.

At the End of the Trip:

• The bus will undergo complete disinfection.
• Air conditioning filters will be sanitized.
• Protective covers on seats will be replaced.

Tips for Staying Safe During Your Trip

Following the World Health Organization’s guidelines, we recommend:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Carry hand sanitizer and use it when necessary.
• Always wear your mask (covering both nose and mouth).
• Avoid sharing personal items.
• Steer clear of crowds and physical contact.
• If you show any symptoms of COVID-19, please refrain from traveling to protect your health and that of others.

Additionally, consider using designated seating to ensure your seat remains the same for the entire journey, and retrieve your luggage directly from the overhead compartment to avoid contact with others.

We recognize that the return of travel will be gradual. Thus, all our actions will prioritize prudence, responsibility, and effective safety measures for our passengers and staff.

We hope this information clarifies everyone’s responsibilities in this recovery phase. If you have any questions about how to stay safe while traveling by bus, you can find more information on the official WHO and ANVISA websites. We’re also here to assist you through our communication channels.

We are committed to providing the best bus experience for you, your family, and friends.s.