With transit ridership dropping steadily due to the COVID-19 crisis, TransLink is changing the way people board buses and suspending fare collection on buses.
Starting Friday, riders must board buses using the read doors only.
“Given TransLink cannot collect cash fares at the rear doors, and some buses aren’t equipped with Compass Card readers at that entrance, we are also suspending fare collection on the bus system,” reads a TransLink news release. “We are taking this step to allow greater social distancing to protect our Coast Mountain Bus Company operators at this time.Customers requiring mobility assistance can continue to use the front doors if needed. Regular fares still apply on other TransLink modes.”
TransLink has also implemented the following changes:
- Customers will not be able to use seats close to operators on certain buses.
- Accelerating the installation of operator protection barriers on buses.
- Customers will not be able to use seats close to crew on SeaBus vessels.
- Launching an education campaign promoting hygiene and asking customers to allow extra space for fellow passengers and transit staff.
- Increasing cleaning and disinfecting on all modes of transit.
“As extraordinary social distancing measures are being put into place across the region, TransLink has also seen a commensurate and significant decline in ridership,” read the statement. “This means there are far fewer passengers using the system, which allows for greater social distancing.”
