Starting next week, all customers will be required to wear non-medical masks or face coverings on board all TransLink transit vehicles.
The mandatory measure, announced earlier this month by TransLink, kicks in Monday, Aug. 24.
At the time, the transit authority called the new measure “essential” to ensuring customers’ confidence as the economy continues to reopen and people return to the transit system.
People unable to wear face coverings due to an underlying medical condition or disability will be exempt from the new policy and won’t be asked to wear a mask or face covering.
These customers can request a TransLink-branded card, which notes they are exempt from the policy. The cards will be made available at the Compass Customer Service Centres at Stadium-Chinatown and Waterfront stations.
Transit police will be able to enforce the new rules, however, TransLink has said the initial focus of this policy will be on awareness and education.
Frontline employees may also inform or remind customers to wear a mask while onboard transit.
BC Transit is also making face masks mandatory as of Aug. 24.
Exemptions for the mandatory mask policy include:
- Anyone with an underlying medical condition or disability which inhibits the ability to wear a mask or face covering
- Persons unable to place or remove a mask or face covering without assistance
- Children under 5 years of age
- Employees working behind a physical barrier or within areas designated for employees and not for public access
- Police, employees or first responders in an emergency
