TransLink on Monday launched a new campaign to boost transit ridership. It’s called the Reconnect Campaign that aims to “encourage customers to use transit” and sees TranLink partnering with Destination Vancouver to offer discounts at hundreds of local sightseeing tours, attractions and activities.
But will Burnaby residents buy into this?
I’m not so sure.
TransLink says that with restrictions “easing” it’s a perfect time to use transit. But it’s precisely the lifting of restrictions such as masks – it’s now only recommended that people wear masks – that makes many people wary of using transit. This isn’t to say that people always wore masks on transit previously. Many did not and unless the Transit Police were there, bus drivers, for example, were not forcing people to wear them.
But now even more people have stopped wearing masks everywhere. Grocery stores, restaurants, shopping malls. I’m seeing a lot of people not wearing them and that worries those who are still concerned about COVID-19 transmission.
Even after I get my second shot soon I will continue to wear a masks. It’s an excellent way to stop the spread and protect yourself.
So we’ll see if Burnaby residents are ready to get on a bus or SkyTrain car anytime soon.
TransLink has boosted transit service to popular locations around the region, added an interactive map on its website to help customers plan trips, and will tour a Reconnect Bus in bright new colours to celebrate the return of fairs and festivals.
Starting today, customers can use the promo code ‘LOVETRANSIT’ on viator.com to redeem 25 per cent off hundreds of local tours, sightseeing and adventure destinations such as such as FlyOver Canada, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver Mysteries and Sea Vancouver Waterfront Sightseeing Adventures.
Customers can use TransLink’s Reconnect interactive map to plan their trip to the various discounted adventures. The map shows the fastest way to get to the region’s top summer destinations on transit.
As part of the campaign, customers will be able to spot the TransLink Reconnect Bus at several popular locations this summer. The Reconnect Bus will showcase what’s new and improved on transit and highlight the many ways we are keeping the system safe, including how ventilation works on our vehicles. Customers can track the location of the bus through our @TransLinkNews Twitter account.
Follow Chris Campbell on Twitter @shinebox44.
