If you’re looking to take a bus or a ferry in B.C. these days, don’t forget your mask. Both of the province’s major transit companies, TransLink and BC Transit, as well as BC Ferries will be requiring all passengers to wear masks on board starting Monday (Aug. 24).
Both transit agencies originally announced the decision near the beginning of August. Passengers are expected to provide their own masks.
Desmond got his mask free when he purchased these new sneakers. Got your mask? 😷
📢Just a reminder face masks will be mandatory on transit starting tomorrow! #MaskStyle #WearingIsCaring⠀
â € pic.twitter.com/yYA9F3Kfih— News from TransLink (@TransLinkNews) August 23, 2020
Both TransLink and BC Transit have made a series of exemptions. Children under the age of five, employees working behind a barrier or in areas the public cannot access, people with underlying medical conditions or disabilities that prevent mask wearing, those who cannot remove a mask without assistance. Police, first responders and employees will be exempt from having to wear a mask when responding to an emergency.
For TransLink services, passengers unable to wear a mask for health reasons will require a card from the agency which notes they are exempt from wearing a face covering. The cards will be made available at Compass customer service centres at Stadium-Chinatown and Waterfront Stations.
Although both transit agencies have said the focus is on educating the public, not imposing penalties, TransLink did note that Transit Police can enforce the mask mandate if it becomes an issue.
⌚ #BC rider reminder – mandatory masks start Monday!
💡 Here's our handy 'know before you go' list:
✅ Review the policy https://t.co/jEqUmbrGRX
✅ Find or make a face covering https://t.co/ivaqP5bst2
✅ Be kind, be calm & together we ride 🚌💙 pic.twitter.com/o2HouxfkaA— BC Transit | Masks Mandatory Aug. 24 (@BCTransit) August 21, 2020
BC Ferries announced its mask mandate Friday. Prior to that announcement, the ferry corporation had only required customers to have masks with them.
Starting Monday, all passengers, whether they came on a car or on foot, must wear masks at all times in the terminals and onboard vessels, unless they’re inside their vehicles or “consuming food or drinks while maintaining physical distance.” Infants and toddlers under two years old and customers with medical conditions or disabilities that inhibits their ability to wear a mask are exempt from the new rules.
Travel safe. Wear a mask.
Starting tomorrow, all customers & #BCFerries crew will be required to wear masks at terminals & on board.
More info including exceptions is available here: https://t.co/5naThTvXuS
Let's work together to #ShareTheCoastSafely 👊 ^ta pic.twitter.com/9RY8LaahjI
— BC Ferries | Masks Mandatory Aug. 24 (@BCFerries) August 23, 2020
READ MORE: Masks to be mandatory on BC Transit, TransLink starting Aug. 24
READ MORE: Wearing masks will be mandatory on BC Ferries vessels and at terminals
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Want to support local journalism during the pandemic? Make a donation here.
