Skip to content

TransLink is reducing seating on buses to promote physical distancing

Starting next week, about half of seats on Metro Vancouver buses will be off limits to create more space between passengers to limit the spread of COVID-19
Buses will be running at half capacity next week to promote physical distancing.

Crowded transit buses will no longer be allowed in Metro Vancouver.

TransLink announced Thursday that starting next week, it would be covering approximately half the available seats on all buses and have signs informing passengers they are to be left vacant to promote physical distancing. Buses that have reached the new capacity limits will also stop collecting passengers, who will have to wait for the next bus, the transit authority said in a press release.

Given declining ridership is resulting in far fewer passengers on the system, it’s not expected these changes will impact travel times on the majority of bus routes,” TransLink said in a statement. “However, commuters who use busier routes should consider building in additional travel time and consider their need to travel, particularly during rush hours.”

This is not the only measure TransLink said it is taking to promote physical distancing.

The release said customers are being asked to board buses at rear doors unless the passenger requires mobility assistance.

Seating close to bus operators has also been limited and Coast Mountain Bus Company has accelerated the installation of barriers to shield drivers on all coaches.

Fare collection has been suspended on all buses and HandyDARTs.

“Public transit remains crucial for thousands of essential service workers in the region, including those in the health care sector,” TransLink said.

For up-to-date transit information during the COVID-19 pandemic, go to www.translink.ca/covid19.