As more and more people start utilizing the bus service during the pandemic there are some concerns about the ability to physical distance from others.
Thunder Bay Transit is responding to a picture posted on social media showing what appears to be people, not physical distancing. The picture was taken on Monday afternoon on a bus travelling from City Hall to Memorial and Northwood.
City transit says they are monitoring their passenger levels daily and are deploying additional buses on busier routes with efforts made to keep buses at half seated loads or no more than 15 people on a bus at any one time. However, they note sometimes there are exceptions due to fluctuating customer demands.
Transit officials say when a bus reaches more than 15-20 onboard at any one time, bus stops may be missed.
They add physical distancing may be challenging or not possible when using public transit and they strongly recommend that customers wear a cloth mask or face covering when travelling.
Officials suggest passengers consider waiting for the next bus or plan to travel at a less busy time. Transit adds travel on public buses is for essential trips only and if travel is not essential, people should not use public transit.
The person who took the photo, Karen Millington tells us she has to physical distance for her health and that she and many on the bus felt uncomfortable as there was nowhere to move away from each other.
