Your next bus ride might be a little roomier than it used to be.
BC Transit is taking further measures to increase the physical distance between riders by limiting the number of passengers onboard city buses.
Starting Monday bus drivers will monitor passenger capacity, allowing more space in-between customers.
BC Transit has seen a decrease in ridership of about 50 to 70 per cent due to changes at schools, businesses, and government agencies since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The transit company does not anticipate pass-ups, where the bus is too full to pick up additional riders waiting at a stop, with this change based on the current level of ridership, but says it will make adjustments to the system if this occurs.
“We ask customers to please leave plenty of time for their transit trip to allow for physical distancing, and thank our customers for their patience,” said BC Transit in a statement released on Friday.
This new measure is the latest change made by BC Transit in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. They have already implemented rear-door loading, free fares across B.C. and enhancing the red line to increase the distance between customer and operator.
“We are continuing to be there for those that need transportation services including people going to work at healthcare facilities and other critical services, and going for a weekly grocery trip,” said the bus company.
They say they will continue to monitor the situation, compare services across B.C. and follow the guidelines set out by public health officials.
Rebecca Lawrence
