BC Transit now asking riders to wear a mask while waiting for the bus

Although it’s not enforced, masks have been “mandatory” while using BC Transit since late August.

Today, BC Transit updated its mandatory face covering police to align with the mask mandate recently put in place by the Province.

“It is required that customers are wearing face covering when on board a BC Transit vehicle,” explained a release.

“The order from the Province of BC also requires customers waiting at covered bus stops to be wearing a face covering.”

🚌📌#BC riders – we're updating our Aug. 24 mandatory face covering policy to align with the Province of BC's mandatory mask order. To learn about the updates before your trip, visit https://t.co/hvAewPNH0X pic.twitter.com/fFwnZ0ACaF

— BC Transit | Masks Mandatory (@BCTransit) November 27, 2020

The following people are exempt wearing a face covering:

• People with health conditions or with physical, cognitive or mental impairments who cannot wear one
• People who cannot remove a mask on their own
• Children under the age of 12

In addition, face shields are no longer considered acceptable as a face covering, since they have an opening below the mouth.

BC Transit also addressed their drivers sometimes not wearing masks, as it’s been something that’s caught people’s attention more than once.

“Transit Operators working alone behind a full driver door or vinyl panel are also exempt from wearing a face mask as indicated by Dr. Bonnie Henry,” the release said.

“Staff on board BC Transit vehicles and not behind a full driver door or vinyl panel will be required to wear a face covering unless they meet the exemption criteria.”

The priority for BC Transit will continue to be educating customers about the mandatory face covering police, but supervisors and managers now have the authority to enforce compliance with the assistance of local authorities if necessary.