​Non-medical masks will be mandatory, fare payment and front door boarding will be reinstated

BRAMPTON, ON (June 29, 2020) – With guidance from Peel Public Health and as part of the City of Brampton’s reopening and recovery plan, starting Thursday, July 2, Brampton Transit will operate at an increased bus capacity.

The City reminds riders that following Peel Public Health and the Government of Ontario’s strong recommendation to wear masks on public transit, it will be mandatory for Brampton Transit riders and operators to wear non-medical masks on buses and at terminals from July 2. Fare payment and front door boarding will also be reinstated.

Increased capacity on buses

Brampton Transit will operate its buses at an increased capacity starting July 2 as riders will be required to wear non-medical masks starting the same day. The maximum number of passengers allowed on each bus will be as follows:

- 40 foot bus: 35 people
- 60 foot bus: 55 people

This increased capacity is equivalent to full-seated loads. Passengers can sit or stand. 

It is important that riders wear masks at all times while riding public transit as this will allow Brampton Transit to operate at this increased capacity. Non-compliance with mask wearing may result in Brampton Transit having to return to the previous lowered capacity. Buses will continue to operate at half seated capacity until July 2.

Exceptions for young children and at-risk populations

While masks will be mandatory, there are exceptions. Children under the age of two, or those who are unable to wear a mask for medical reasons will be exempted but are asked to maintain a physical distance of two meters from other passengers.

Brampton Transit is focused on keeping the community healthy and safe. Transit riders are encouraged to use their good judgement, abide by safety measures, and wear a mask if they are able.

Masks alone will not prevent the spread of COVID-19 but may help protect those around you. When wearing masks, it's still important to consistently practice good hand hygiene and maintain physical distance whenever possible. If you’re sick, get tested at a COVID-19 assessment centre or mobile site and stay home, avoiding transit.

For more information regarding non-medical masks, including how to properly wear, fit, remove, and clean your non-medical mask, visit the Peel Public Health website and the Government of Ontario website.

Fare payment

Fare payment will be required on all Brampton Transit buses starting July 2. Riders are encouraged to use their PRESTO card to pay their fare as a form of contactless payment. Riders who still use cash to pay for their trips, are encouraged to acquire a PRESTO card from a Customer Service counter. For a limited time only, the $6 PRESTO card fee is waived – one card per customer.

Providing accessible transit for seniors remains a top priority for the City, and given the impact of COVID-19, all active senior ID card expiry dates have been waived indefinitely.

Customer Counters at transit terminals, with the exception of Trinity Common Terminal building, are open.

The proposed 2020 fare changes have been deferred until further notice.

Front door boarding

Brampton Transit will allow all passengers to board buses through the front doors starting July 2. Riders are to exit through the rear doors.

Passengers with accessibility needs can continue to exit through the front doors.

COVID-19 safety measures

An enhanced cleaning and sanitizing schedule remains in effect. 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.

The City urges riders to continue to maintain physical distancing at terminals, and at bus stops, even while wearing a mask, as much as possible. Riders are also reminded to carry their own personal disinfectant, such as hand sanitizer or wipes, when traveling, wash their hands often, and cough or sneeze into their elbow. If you’re sick, please refrain from riding transit, get tested at the nearest COVID-19 assessment site and follow public health instructions.

With guidance from Peel Public Health, the City of Brampton encourages everyone to wear a non-medical mask, especially at locations where physical distancing might be challenging. The City of Brampton is working closely with its partners at Peel Public Health and the Brampton Emergency Management Office to continue to monitor risks. Visit www.brampton.ca/covid19 for regular updates and visit www.bramptontransit.com or follow @bramptontransit on Twitter for service updates. Questions may be directed to Brampton Transit’s Contact Centre at 905.874.2999.

Quotes

“As part of our reopening and recovery plan, several changes are coming to Brampton Transit starting July 2. Buses will operate at increased capacity, non-medical masks or face coverings will be mandatory, and fare payment and front door boarding will be reinstated. These changes will keep the community healthy and safe while ensuring we have efficient and reliable transit service in Brampton.”

- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

“I am confident that riders will be respectful towards themselves, transit operators and one another by wearing non-medical masks if they are able, and practicing good hygiene, as we increase seating capacity on Brampton Transit. We’re keeping riders moving, and together, we can reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.”

- Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor Wards 1 & 5; Chair, Community Services, City of Brampton

“Through the Reopening and Recovery Working Group, we continue to have meaningful discussions with the community to ensure a comprehensive and measured approach to reopening the city. This decision comes with guidance from Peel Public Health and with riders needs remaining a priority.”

- Martin Medeiros, Regional Councillor Wards 3 & 4; Lead, Reopening and Recovery Working Group, City of Brampton

“Brampton Transit is working hard to keep our community healthy and safe. We’re able to operate at increased capacity because non-medical masks will be mandatory starting the same day. Riders – please do your part in keeping our transit service healthy, safe, efficient and reliable.”

- David Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton