**** 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.
Halifax Transit will implement the following new measures over the long weekend to help reduce the spread of disease. These changes will significantly reduce capacity and as a result, transit should be used for essential travel ONLY.
Those who are feeling ill should not use any transit service until their health returns to normal.
Conventional Buses
- Alternating seats will be blocked off with appropriate signage. This measure will further reduce capacity by approximately 50 per cent depending on the model of bus.
- Please note: The caution tape that was previously at the front of the bus separating the operator from passengers will be replaced with a yellow cord as a barricade. Additional signage will be in place indicating which seats are reserved for passengers with mobility needs.
- Passengers will continue to use the rear doors unless the front doors are required for accessibility.
Ferries
- Capacity will be reduced to 25 passengers per trip.
- Food and drink will be prohibited to reduce litter.
Terminals
The following changes will come into effect over the coming week:
- Alternating seats will be blocked off with signage at some terminals.
In addition to these changes, several other measures have been taken to help reduce the spread of disease, including an increased frequency in wipe-downs of high-touch surfaces, the elimination of fares, having bus users enter and exit through the rear doors and limiting passengers on buses to seated passengers only. All of these changes support the municipality’s commitment to safe social distancing.
Halifax Transit has been designated by the Province of Nova Scotia an essential service under the current provincial state of emergency. In light of this direction by the province, the municipality will continue delivering the highest level of service that can be reasonably provided – while also continuing to take steps that help minimize the spread of COVID-19 and make buses as safe an environment as possible in the circumstances.
Residents are reminded that the level of transit service provided will continue to be adjusted as necessary, based on available operational resources. Buses and ferries continue to operate on a reduced schedule.
For more information on municipal services during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit Halifax.ca/coronavirus.
Thank you for helping with the community effort to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.
