In an effort to create awareness about the new mandatory face covering policy, BC Transit has announced they will handing out masks in the Victoria Regional Transit System.
The announcement follows last week’s implementation of the mandatory mask policy on all BC Transit buses, which officially came into effect on Monday, August 24.
In a release, BC Transit confirms that while face coverings are mandatory, the policy is an educational step without enforcement; this position is also aligned with TransLink and other transit agencies in Canada.
Masks will be handed out at the following locations and time:
- Downtown: September 8, 7:45 a.m. – 10 a.m.
- Langford Exchange: September 8, 7:45 a.m. – 10 a.m.
- Uptown: September 8, 7:45 a.m. – 10 a.m.
When asked about riders’ compliance with the mandatory face covering rule thus far, BC Transit tells Victoria Buzz that since the policy was implemented, they have seen that most customers in the Victoria Regional Transit System are complying while travelling on all BC Transit buses.
“Customers have indicated that a move in this direction would create a more comfortable environment, and we appreciate their ongoing support,” BC Transit said in their email statement.
Additionally, they added that as drivers are positioned behind protective barriers, they are not mandated to wear face coverings, but may choose to.
