BC Transit is launching a new campaign in an effort to get more people to wear face coverings while on board buses in Victoria.
Transit users across the city can expect to be handed free branded face coverings on board several buses on Monday July 20.
Since receiving guidance from public health officials, BC Transit has posted signage on board buses and at stops across the CRD encouraging the use of face coverings while on board.
This is consistent with provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry’s messaging that people should absolutely wear masks while taking transit, as it is often impossible to maintain physical distancing aboard buses.
However the use of face coverings have not been made mandatory on buses in B.C.
“There are lots of our riders using face coverings when they’re on the bus and that’s great but we’re certainly not seeing the uptick that we think is necessary and that’s why this step is important to help promote the message,” said John Palmer, Director of Safety and Emergency Management at BC Transit, in a phone call with Victoria Buzz.
Bus operators have also been issued face coverings that they may choose to wear on board and while walking to and from the bus.
All driver seats are now behind a protective panel that separates them from passengers, which affords an extra level of protection.
However the effort to get more riders to wear masks becomes particularly important as ridership starts to grow from where it was at the height of pandemic.
We’re starting to see more people come on board the bus at peak periods early morning and mid-afternoon but we’re nowhere near our ridership members from last year so we’re anxious to invite customers back on board,” adds Palmer.
Since the start of the pandemic, the transit operator has introduced multiple safety measures aboard buses including enhanced cleaning mechanisms, markings to help understand where to stand, and signage on board explaining the use of face coverings and importance of physical distancing.
Now, they’re about to distribute 1,650 navy blue face masks to passengers at bus stops on Monday July 20 in an effort to further encourage the use of masks.
Street teams will be distributing face masks in the following locations:
- Downtown core – Douglas/Fort area at 7:
30 a.m. – 9 a.m. - Legislature exchange and surrounding area at 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
- Uptown Shopping Centre area at 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.
- Mayfair Mall area 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
- Langford Exchange at 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.
- Colwood Exchange at 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
