Free Ride for Transit users in Prince Rupert, Port Edward comes to an end June 1st

As the province prepares to ramp up its plans towards a few steps to normalcy in British Columbia in these times of COVID, the days of riding transit for free are coming to an end.

In an information release yesterday, BC Transit outlined that as of June 1st, the transit system across the province including service in Prince Rupert and Port Edward will return to front door loading and the collection of fares.

With that change, fares will be collected on both regular transit service and that of HandyDART operations.

Transit operators are also putting in place enhanced safety measures aboard the buses, among the modifications that transit users will see:

Installation of a temporary vinyl panel to allow for physical distancing for the operator and customers without a full driver door.

Enhanced cleaning on buses and at BC Transit facilities. 

Communication to staff and customers about physical distancing procedures

Limiting passenger capacity to support physical distancing. 

Enhancing the red line for passengers to stand behind. 

Vinyl panels on light duty buses.

BC Transit notes, that the current rear loading process will continue through until May 31st.

You can review the new measures from their information portal for Prince Rupert and Port Edward.

For more notes on transit across the northwest see our archive page here.