Ontario introduces new safety guidance for public transit

The Ontario government released safety guidance for public transit agencies as the province continues to reopen and more people return to work.

The guidance document, developed in consultation with health and transit officials, provides transit agencies with best practices and tips to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

These practices include maintaining physical distance between people whenever possible, highly recommending passengers wear face coverings or non-medical masks when riding transit, practicing proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, installing physical barriers between drivers and passengers, using physical markers between seats and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

“Although we are making steady progress to contain the virus, it still poses a serious health threat for everyone, especially our most vulnerable citizens,” says Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation.

“This guidance for transit agencies will provide consistent, clear and practical information that transit agencies can use to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep Ontarians moving safely.”

Metrolinx has identified over 40 actions to help keep staff and passengers safe when riding GO trains, buses and the UP Express. These strategies include piloting health and safety kiosks that provide customers with tools and advice on how to stay safe, enhanced deep-cleaning processes for vehicles and in stations, providing hand sanitizer on every GO bus and in every station and installing dividers.

Metrolinx has also developed an educational campaign called “Safety Never Stops” to inform passengers of safety tips on vehicles, platforms and stations.

This transit guidance is part of Ontario’s framework for reopening the province.