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BC Transit drives forward during COVID-19

Identifying and implementing new measures to enhance safety

BC Transit bus, rear door
During COVID-19 on BC Transit buses: rear door boarding is allowed without needing a fare. [West Shore Voice News file photo / Mary Brooke - July 2019]
 SHORT-RUN PRINTING | LAMINATING | MAIL-OUT SUPPORT

Friday April 24, 2020 ~ VICTORIA

~ West Shore Voice News

BC Transit is continuing to provide transportation services customers can rely on as we recognize people still need to get to work, including at healthcare facilities or in other essential service industries, or other activities such as weekly grocery shopping trips.

“BC Transit places the safety of our riders, staff, and communities as our top priority,” it was stated in a news release today from the transportation provider.

vinyl protection, driver area, BC Transit, bus
Vinyl protection for the driver’s area on a BC Transit bus during COVID-19 [BC Transit]

The Province of BC and the Provincial Health Officer continue to lead the response to COVID-19, and BC Transit is taking their advice to identify and implement new measures to enhance safety throughout the BC Transit system.

“We want to assure you we are taking the COVID-19 situation seriously, and we are implementing plans based on advice from health experts,” says BC Transit.

We have already implemented enhanced measures in response to COVID-19 including:

  • Enhanced cleaning on buses and at BC Transit facilities
  • Communication to staff and customers about physical distancing procedures
  • Rear door loading (as available)
  • Not collecting fares
  • Limiting passenger capacity to support physical distancing
  • Enhancing the red line for passengers to stand behind
  • Vinyl panels for light duty buses
  • Additional personal protective equipment for handyDART transit operators
physical distancing, bus stop, Victoria
Physical distancing at a public transit stop in Victoria during COVID-19 [March 2020 – West Shore Voice News]

More information about BC Transit’s initiatives during the pandemic are posted online at BCTransit.com/COVID19.

======== BACKGROUNDERS:

Extension of rear door boarding and not collecting fares

BC Transit will be extending our rear door boarding and not collecting fares procedures until May 31, 2020. The extension means customers do not need to purchase monthly passes or other fares for the month of May. Details about refund processes for fare products will be available when we announce the return to regular fare collection.

Thank you to front line staff

BC Transit is sending a thank you out to staff providing front line services during the response to COVID-19. Our team, including our transit operators, are working hard to ensure essential transportation services are available for those who need to get to work in essential service industries, get their weekly groceries, or pick up a prescription. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.