Face masks will be mandatory on Brampton Transit starting next month

It will be mandatory for Brampton transit riders and operators to wear non-medical masks on buses and at terminals, as of July 2.

This announcement came from the Mayor of Brampton, Patrick Brown, and Brampton transit on Wednesday.

“We need to work together to keep ourselves and each other safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are a Brampton Transit rider, I urge you to acquire and wear a non-medical mask on buses and at terminals, and follow Peel Public Health and the Government of Ontario’s guidelines on how to properly wear, fit, remove, and clean your non-medical mask for everyone’s health and safety,” said Brown.

Effective July 2, non-medical masks will be mandatory on our buses and at our terminals. Until then, we strongly recommended you wear a non-medical mask. It helps protect you, and those around you. Let’s work together to keep each other safe. More info https://t.co/GZVosMHUc2. pic.twitter.com/BaWhXnClQX

— Brampton Transit (@BramptonTransit) June 4, 2020

This mandate follows the strong recommendation made by the Government of Ontario, last month, that all individuals wear face masks while taking public transit.

Although it will be mandatory for riders to wear a non-medical mask, the City of Brampton has said that, “children under the age of two, or those with disabilities or other medical conditions that prevent them from wearing a mask will not be required to wear one.”

The mandatory mask measures are part of the City of Brampton’s reopening and recovery plan.

“The health and safety of riders and staff is a top priority at Brampton Transit and the City of Brampton, and these changes will be implemented while ensuring both,” the City said.

The reinstatement of fare payment and front boarding will also be on July 2.

Riders are encouraged to pay fares using a PRESTO card as a form of contactless payment.

The City has also said that, given the impact of COVID-19, all active senior ID card expiry dates have been waived.

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

Brampton Transit will be allowing passengers to board buses through the front doors, July 2. Riders still must exit through the rear doors and are reminded to maintain a physical distance by staying two feet away from each other at all times. The City has also reminded transit users to wash their hands often, and cough and sneeze into their elbow.

“Keeping residents moving safely during COVID-19 is a priority for our City Council. These additional safety measures for Brampton Transit staff and riders make sure that we keep ensuring that transit remains a safe option as the City takes critical steps for reopening our City,” said Rowena Santos, regional councillor for wards 1 and 5.

In addition to these changes, an enhanced cleaning and sanitizing schedule remains in effect. Brampton Transit has a goal to disinfect all hard surfaces, operator compartments and seats every 48 hours. They have also said that the majority of buses are currently being sanitized every 24 hours.

In Toronto, the TTC recommends wearing a face covering, but it is not mandatory.