Community Transit coach operator passed away from COVID-19

A coach operator with Community Transit has passed away while being treated for COVID-19.

Scott Ryan has been a member of the transit team since 2015. The 41-year-old was his union shop steward, according to the Amalgamated Transit Union.

Ryan’s death was reported to employees in an email from CEO Emmett Heath.

“Our agency mourns this loss of one of our own,” Heath said. ” … We remain continuously focused on the health, well-being and safety of our employees, your families, and our customers.”

Community Transit, based in Snohomish County, said five of its of employees reported to the company that they have tested positive for coronavirus.

Similar to other transit companies, the “agency updated its vehicle cleaning procedures to include nightly disinfecting of all high-touch areas in all our buses,” according to its website.

Community Transit also announced it will be reducing bus services by 25 percent starting Monday, March 30, until further notice.

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The Dori Monson Show obtained a copy of a post shared on a Facebook page for the transit drivers and in the local union’s Facebook group that indicates Ryan was spit on by a passenger while driving. He then started showing symptoms of COVID-19, was admitted to the hospital, and passed away almost two weeks later.

Operators have expressed concerns about the lack of safety measures and cleaning on Community Transit buses during the coronavirus outbreak.

When asked for a response, a representative from Community Transit told KIRO Radio: “We do not have any reports of any riders intentionally coughing, spitting or sneezing on one of our employees.”

Scott Ryan is survived by his wife and three children. To help cover the family’s daily expenses and medical bills, donate here.