TTC installs barriers on buses to protect transit operators

Apr 8 2020, 5:07 pm

The TTC is implementing vinyl barriers on its buses to better protect operators during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Wednesday, TTC spokesperson Stuart Green said the transit system will begin placing the barriers in the fleet of buses starting April 8.

“Starting today, TTC customers will see thick vinyl collapsible aisle barriers on our buses,” he said.

“They provide extra comfort and security for operators while being removable to allow for accessible front door boarding/exiting.”

Green also mentioned that TTC staff are making and installing 150 of these barriers a day.

On Monday, the transit workers union ATU Local 113, which represents 12,000 workers, called on the TTC to supply personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline workers.

The transit unions also demanded that workers be allowed to wear face masks which was approved by the TTC on March 18. However, these masks had to be provided by the workers themselves.

During the course of the pandemic, the TTC has been mandating rules to ensure of physical distancing for customers and transit workers.

On March 24, the TTC announced it was no longer accepting payment by cash, tickets, or tokens on buses and asked all customers to board and exit using the rear doors when possible to keep operators safe and ensure physical distancing.

On March 31, the transit system encouraged transit users to get on buses off peak hours and on April 1, they announced that they will be adding more buses during peak service hours.

To date, six TTC employees have tested positive for the virus.

Clarrie FeinsteinClarrie Feinstein

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