BC Transit is introducing a mandatory face covering policy at the end of the month.
The policy will be in place from Aug. 24.
Only children under 5 and those who cannot wear a mask due to health reasons will be exempt.
But BC Transit said the policy will be implemented “as an educational step” and therefore “without enforcement.”
“The educational position is aligned with TransLink and other transit agencies in Canada,” the corporation explained.
It added: “We will work hard to ensure customers are aware of our new policy over the coming weeks, and work together to make transit a comfortable environment for staff and customers.”
“BC Transit's decision to make masks mandatory on their vehicles will help make transit safer for fellow passengers,” Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said.
"Find one that's comfortable, and make time to get used to wearing them and taking them on and off as needed. Those of us who are able should be using masks on transit all the time. I do and I expect others to as well.”
BC Transit’s president, Erinn Pinkerton, said she was pleased to have Dr. Henry’s support.
“The implementation of a mandatory mask policy is in response to feedback from our customers,” she added.
