FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

23 January 2023

MST Provides Transportation to Evacuation Shelter Locations and Local Assistance Center During Recent Winter Storm Event

Changing gears is not unfamiliar to MST – but in recent years, the changes are more connected to the types of service and support offered than to the vehicles it operates.

The recent atmospheric river event is another example of MST being called upon to partner with local public safety counterparts and perform special services outside of its normal functions. As the storm pummeled the region and caused widespread flooding, residents living in low-lying areas were directed to evacuate their homes. Vulnerable members of the community without access to transportation were provided with safe transportation out of harm’s way to shelters and resources.

Throughout the weather event, MST drivers, and MST partners from MV Transit, and Monterey Yellow Cab were called upon dozens of times to transport over 120 members of the community to and from shelters – and were able to accomplish this without missing any regularly scheduled services. The entirety of Team MST came together to ensure that regular service to its passengers continued while providing the emergency evacuation service friends and neighbors in the community desperately needed.

Even as the rain stopped and the flood waters receded, the need for MST services continues. This week, MST is providing transportation for storm victims from San Ardo and Pajaro to a Local Assistance Center in Spreckels where families and businesses can access available assistance programs and services.

For more information, visit mst.org or call Monterey-Salinas Transit toll-free at 1-888-MST-BUS1. For RealTime bus arrival information, text “Next” and your 4-digit bus stop ID (ex. “Next 9103”) to 25370, call 1-888-MST-BUS1 with your 4-digit bus stop ID, download the free Transit app, or use Google Maps.

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