Mount Spurr Activity and Response
The public should anticipate possible service disruptions due to falling volcanic ash following an eruption. Mount Spurr is currently categorized as level two activation status, with the Municipality's Office of Emergency Management monitoring closely and continuing to coordinate and share information regarding a potential eruption.
Volcano Transit FAQs
Will buses run if Mount Spurr erupts?
Bus service will run normally if ash is not expected to fall within the Anchorage/Eagle River areas.
If ash is expected to fall within the Anchorage/Eagle River areas, People Mover and AnchorRIDES services will be temporarily suspended.
If you rely on People Mover services, please make alternative arrangements for transportation in the event service is suspended.
Why won't buses run if Anchorage gets ash?
When actively falling, volcanic ash can suspend fine particles in the air potentially causing skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. Further, volcanic ash can get through vehicle filters and cause engine damage and/or failure. Buses will not run while ash is falling in an effort to protect the engines so service can resume once it is deemed safe to do so.
How long will service be suspended?
The timeline for suspended service will vary.
A likely scenario could involve canceling or ending service for the day when ash is expected to fall within the Anchorage/Eagle River areas. Once ash is no longer falling and the road conditions have been deemed safe to drive on, People Mover and AnchorRIDES services will resume.
What about AnchorRIDES service?
If ash is expected to fall within the Anchorage area, trips that have already been started will be finished. Trips not started before service is suspended will not be provided.
For emergency transportation or medical needs that cannot wait for service to be re-instated, call 9-1-1.
How will the RideShare Vanpool Commuting program be affected?
Service impacts in the event of volcanic eruption will be left to the discretion of each vanpooling group.
How/where can I find updates?
People Mover and AnchorRIDES service updates will be available via:
- People Mover mStop
- Social Media
- Website
- Phone
- Other resources
What is the Public Transportation Department doing to prepare for an eruption?
The Public Transportation Department (PTD) is acquiring personal protective equipment for PTD staff, replacement air filters for buses and support vehicles, and is in contact with representatives of the Municipal Office of Emergency Management (OEM)/Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
A PTD Emergency Action Plan has been created, and its steps will be followed as instructed by management based on information received from OEM, EOC, and/or Municipal Manager.
Will I get a refund for my bus fare?
In the event of bus service cancellation, People Mover will replace any activated or purchased bus passes that were valid during the affected time(s) of canceled service.
For each day of canceled service, riders will be provided a replacement pass equivalent to a one-day pass.
Riders have two (2) options to request replacement passes due to canceled service:
- Visit the Downtown Customer Service Office in person to request replacement. (Proof of purchase is required.)
- Call Customer Service at 907.343.6543 to request digital replacement passes purchased via the mTicket app.
Additional Volcano Preparedness Tips