Calgary Transit to remove seating restrictions Monday
Posted Aug 16, 2020 4:39 pm.
Last Updated Aug 17, 2020 7:01 am.
CALGARY (CityNews) – Calgary Transit is removing seating restrictions on buses and C-Trains starting August 17.
Starting Monday, seat distancing protocols are being removed on all buses and C-Trains as they move to accommodate full-capacity ridership once again.
The City says they’re relying on commuters to wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“Studies from a number of research institutes suggest that cloth masks can reduce viral spread by more than six-fold so this is a very effective technique. This was not in place when we initially reduced transit, so this allows us to bring transit back,” explained Dr. Craig Jenne, Associate professor in microbiology, immunology and infectious diseases at the University of Calgary.
Starting today, no more taped off seats on busses or trains. The City says it's time to relax @CalgaryTransit restrictions as they expect a spike in ridership. Masks are still mandatory on transit. Mask compliance rates: 95% on busses & 80-85% on trains. #yyc #Calgary @660NEWS pic.twitter.com/whm0BV9oYi
— Saif Kaisar (@StaySaif) August 17, 2020
The seat distancing rules were put in place in April when ridership was at a low.
With more people expected to begin commuting again as students head back to school and more businesses reopen, the City believes it’s time to relax physical distancing rules on transit.
Jenne says people might be worried about getting on a crowded bus or C-Train, but if everyone is wearing a mask, the risks of contracting COVID-19 can definitely be minimized.
“Keeping in mind there is a mask bylaw in place. Embrace it. Let’s not try and work around that wherever possible. These do work and if everybody does it we will be able to increase the level of safety on transit. And it’s the little things like wearing your mask on the platform before you get on,” said Jenne.
The City says there is a 95 per cent mask-wearing compliance rate on buses, and between 80 and 85 per cent on C-Trains.
While the numbers may be encouraging, officials are also making it clear they’re open to adapting and changing protocols — if case numbers increase again.
