Mississauga transit to be free, run at reduced service amid coronavirus outbreak

MiWay changes begin to take effect on March 21

Yorkregion.com
March 23, 2020
Steve Cornwall

Mississauga’s MiWay transit service will be free, but will run at reduced service levels.

The move, which will see no fares required on MiWay starting March 21, comes following a March 19 emergency novel coronavirus (COVID-19) city council session.

Changes to MiWay were discussed in a closed session of the March 19 meeting.

In a release, the city outlined the “full cancellation” of five express bus routes: the 100 Airport, the 101/101A Dundas, the 103 Hurontario, the 104 Derry and the 107 Malton.

Those five routes, as well as all weekend express service, will be cancelled “until further notice” starting March 23, the release said.

The release also detailed reduced service on seven routes, including MiWay’s GO shuttles, the 44 Mississauga Road and the 109 Meadowvale Express.

routes

In the release, the city said that the changes were due to reduced customer demand in response to COVID-19.

Passengers will also only be permitted to board from the rear doors, while those with accessibility needs can continue using ramps at the front of the bus.

The decision to make MiWay free and reduce service level comes following the Ontario
As a result of the declaration, all facilities providing indoor recreational programs, public libraries, private schools, licensed child care centres, theatres and concert venues were required to close immediately across the province.

Bars and restaurants were also required to stop all in-person services.

On March 2, March 3 and March 4, a Toronto man with the virus used MiWay to get to work in Meadowvale, according to the city and Peel Public Health.

The union representing MiWay transit workers said the man exposed 28 operators and maintenance staff to the virus.

As of 10 a.m. on March 19, Peel Public Health reported 13 cases of novel coronavirus in Mississauga.