**** HRM Media Release
Response to COVID-19: Halifax Transit Update
The Halifax Regional Municipality continues to monitor and respond to the rapidly evolving effects of COVID-19.
Out of an abundance of caution, Halifax Transit will begin installing signage on alternating seats on conventional buses and ferries to encourage passengers to appropriately distance themselves while travelling.
Several other measures have been taken to help reduce the spread of disease, including an increased frequency in wipe-downs of high-touch surfaces as well as the installation of polycarbonate shields next to the bus operators on conventional buses.
Riders are reminded to continue following public health orders, including mandatory masks on all Halifax Transit buses, ferries and terminals. Transit riders are responsible for bringing their own masks.
Those who are feeling ill should not use any transit service until their health returns to normal.
Recent data has shown that ridership on bus trips is low, with the busiest daily trip reaching 43 per cent capacity. Staff will continue to monitor ridership and capacity for any changes that may be required.
Based on current staff availability, Halifax Transit anticipates that conventional bus service will continue to be impacted.
Before heading out on your trip, all riders are encouraged to check for possible delays and/or cancellations. Halifax Transit will make every effort to share route disruptions as timely as possible via our website and @hfxtransit on Twitter.
Ferry service is expected to continue as scheduled.
Halifax Transit has been designated an essential service by the Province of Nova Scotia under the current provincial state of emergency. The two-metre physical distancing and physical gathering limits do not apply to Halifax Transit as stated in the provincial order.
For more information on municipal services during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit Halifax.ca/coronavirus.
