​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BRAMPTON, ON (June 3, 2020) – Today, Mayor Patrick Brown and Brampton Transit announced a number of measures as part of the City of Brampton’s reopening and recovery plan. Starting Thursday, July 2, fare payment and front boarding will be reinstated. Following Peel Public Health and the Government of Ontario’s strong recommendation to wear masks on public transit, it will be mandatory for Brampton Transit riders and operators to wear non-medical masks on buses and at terminals from July 2.

The health and safety of riders and staff is a top priority at Brampton Transit and the City of Brampton, and these changes will be implemented while ensuring both.

Fare payment

Fare payment will be required on all Brampton Transit buses starting July 2. Riders are encouraged to use their PRESTO card to pay their fare as a form of contactless payment. For full details on fares, click here.

Providing accessible transit for seniors remains a top priority for the City, and given the impact of COVID-19, all active senior ID card expiry dates have been waived indefinitely. Customer Counters at transit terminals will reopen prior to July 2. We will provide updates as they become available.

The proposed 2020 fare changes have been deferred until further notice.

Front boarding

Brampton Transit will allow all passengers to board buses through the front doors starting July 2. Riders are to exit through the rear doors. Customers are reminded to maintain physical distancing measures by staying two metres (six feet) away from each other, to wash their hands often, and to cough and sneeze into their elbow.

Non-medical masks

Following Peel Public Health and the Government of Ontario’s strong recommendation to wear masks on public transit, non-medical masks will be mandatory for Brampton Transit riders and operators on buses and at terminals starting July 2.

While masks will be mandatory, children under the age of two, or those with disabilities or other medical conditions that prevent them from wearing a mask will not be required to wear one.

For more information regarding non-medical masks, including how to properly wear, fit, remove, and clean your non-medical mask, visit the Peel Public Health website and the Government of Ontario website

COVID-19 safety measures

An enhanced cleaning and sanitizing schedule remains in effect. It is Brampton Transit’s goal to disinfect all hard surfaces, operator compartments and seats every 48 hours. The majority of buses are currently sanitized every 24 hours. Facilities and terminals that have hard surfaces are wiped down and sanitized on a daily basis.

The City urges riders to continue to practice physical distancing on buses, at terminals, and at bus stops, even while wearing a mask. Riders are also reminded to carry their own personal disinfectant, such as hand sanitizer or wipes, when traveling, wash their hands often, and cough or sneeze into their elbow.

With guidance from Peel Public Health, the City of Brampton encourages everyone to wear a non-medical mask, especially at locations where physical distancing might be challenging. The City of Brampton is working closely with its partners at Peel Public Health and the Brampton Emergency Management Office to continue to monitor risks. Visit www.brampton.ca/covid19 for regular updates and visit www.bramptontransit.com or follow @bramptontransit on Twitter for service updates. Questions may be directed to Brampton Transit’s Contact Centre at 905.874.2999.

Quotes

“We need to work together to keep ourselves and each other safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are a Brampton Transit rider, I urge you to acquire and wear a non-medical mask on buses and at terminals, and follow Peel Public Health and the Government of Ontario’s guidelines on how to properly wear, fit, remove, and clean your non-medical mask for everyone’s health and safety.”

- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

“Keeping residents moving safely during COVID-19 is a priority for our City Council. These additional safety measures for Brampton Transit staff and riders make sure that we keep ensuring that transit remains a safe option as the City takes critical steps for reopening our City.”

- Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor Wards 1 & 5; Chair, Community Services, City of Brampton

“The City of Brampton is dedicated to providing a healthy and safe transit service for our community. Brampton Transit is taking all necessary measures to reintroduce fares and front boarding, and implement mandatory non-medical masks in a healthy and safe way with guidance from Peel Public Health and the Government of Ontario.”

- David Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton