Brampton reinstating fares, making masks mandatory on buses starting July 2

Yorkregion.com
June 5, 2020
Graeme Frisque

The City of Brampton says it will begin to lift COVID-19 measures on its transit system starting next month.

Starting July 2, the city will reinstate front boarding and begin charging fares again -- which have been suspended since March. Transit riders and operators will also be required to wear non-medical masks on the city’s buses after Canada Day, July 1.

There will be some exceptions to the new rules, with children under the age of two and those with disabilities or relevant medical conditions exempt from the mask requirements. Also, while front-boarding will be reintroduced in order to facilitate the collection of fares, passengers will be required to exit buses using the rear doors only.

“The health and safety of riders and staff is a top priority at Brampton Transit and the City of Brampton, and these changes will be implemented while ensuring both,” said the city in a release, adding accessible transit for seniors will remain a priority.

“Given the impact of COVID-19, all active senior ID card expiry dates have been waived indefinitely,” it added.

In addition, customer counters at Brampton Transit terminals will also reopen starting July 2.

The city implemented a series of measures on March 21, including running buses at half capacity, suspending fares and mandatory rear boarding on its buses in an effort to protect both transit operators and passengers from the COVID-19 virus.

Enhanced cleaning and sanitation of the city’s buses will continue, and passengers will still be encouraged to practise physical distancing on buses and at stops and terminals.

“It is Brampton Transit’s goal to disinfect all hard surfaces, operator compartments and seats every 48 hours. The majority of buses are currently sanitized every 24 hours. Facilities and terminals that have hard surfaces are wiped down and sanitized on a daily basis,” added the city in its release.

According to a staff report to council in early May, transit ridership fell by as much as two thirds during the pandemic. The report added suspending fares until June 30 would cost the city and estimated $22 million in lost revenue.