TransLink has announced that customers will only be able to board through the rear doors of buses effective Friday, March 20.
The transportation authority notes that since it cannot collect cash fares at the rear doors, and some buses aren’t equipped with Compass Card readers at that entrance, it will also suspend fare collection on the bus system.
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.
TransLink adds that, "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 seen a significant decline in ridership due to extraordinary social distancing measures. This means there are far fewer passengers using the system, which allows for greater social distancing.
