TransLink eases restrictions on buses, resuming fare collection
Posted May 27, 2020 4:42 pm.
Last Updated May 27, 2020 4:48 pm.
NEW WESTMINSTER (NEWS 1130) — On Wednesday TransLink announced seating restrictions will be eased to allow for two-thirds capacity on buses.
.@TransLink is out with some reminders ahead of June 1st:
-Fare collection will resume along w/front-door boarding on buses
-Bus seating restrictions will be eased – now at 2/3rds capacity before being considered full@NEWS1130‘s previous story: https://t.co/cmIrjrJArh— Ria Renouf (@riarenouf) May 27, 2020
The Coast Mountain Bus Company will also start collecting fares again, while allowing front-door boarding on buses throughout the region on Monday.
“With bus ridership increasing by more than 30 per cent over the past month, demand cannot be met with the current seating arrangements,” TransLink says in a release.
“These necessary steps are being taken following the installation of temporary plexiglass extension barriers or vinyl barriers on all buses to protect transit operators.”
Coast Mountain has also restored bus schedules to pre-COVID-19 levels.
Starting on June 1, fare collection and front-door boarding resumes on buses throughout the region. Bus seating restrictions will also be eased. https://t.co/TXTDvEQdKX
— News from TransLink (@TransLinkNews) May 27, 2020
TransLink reported last month it was losing $75-million a month as ridership fell during pandemic.
And earlier this month, TransLink suspended planned service cuts and took back layoff notices, while introducing health and safety measures.
The latter includes doubling bus disinfecting sprays to twice per week in addition to daily cleaning schedules.
Since physical distancing will not always be possible on transit, TransLink advises:
- do not take transit when sick;
- travel at off-peak times whenever possible;
- wear a non-medical mask or face covering while waiting for or taking transit if you’re able to do so;
- use bus seating when possible so operators can best estimate the number of customers on board;
- and allow more time for your commute.
