Beginning tomorrow (Wednesday), TransLink is suspending fare collection on the HandyDART system.
“Because HandyDART fare payment can often require close interaction between operators and customers, we’re taking this step to protect operators and promote physical distancing,” reads a statement.
Fare collection is already suspended for conventional bus to reduce close contact between operators and customers. Regular fares still apply on SkyTrain, West Coast Express and SeaBus as payment doesn’t involve any person-to-person interaction.
This comes in addition to several other operational changes TransLink has made:
- HandyDART vehicles are being cleaned and disinfected every day.
- HandyDART operators are spacing customers out in vehicles wherever possible, to promote social distancing.
- Every HandyDART operator is being supplied with a sanitizing kit which includes gloves, as well as hand sanitizer bottles or sanitizing wipes.
Customers are cancelling around 70% of HandyDART trips daily, resulting in significantly fewer customers travelling on each bus, and therefore greater social distancing.
