Our response to COVID-19
We’re ready to welcome our customers back to a transit system that is safe, efficient, and reliable. Customers can ride with confidence, knowing that we’ve taken systemwide safety steps. Below are some of the measures we have in place in response to the pandemic.
Ventilation on Transit
We're keeping transit safe by improving cleanliness with ventilation systems installed on SkyTrains and buses.
Safety Tips
Tip #1 – Transit etiquette
Stay home when unwell, avoid touching your face, and cough/sneeze into your elbow.
Tip #2 - Masks are welcome
Masks are welcome while onboard bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and West Coast Express services based on individual levels of comfort. Masks remain mandatory on HandyDART services at this time. HandyDART drivers are required to wear masks only when interacting with customers.
Tip #3 - Sanitize your hands
Use sanitizer before and after riding transit. We've installed hand sanitizer dispensers at many SkyTrain and SeaBus stations.
Tip #5 - News and updates
Sign up for Transit Alerts and follow TransLink News on Twitter. For health updates, visit gov.bc.ca/covid19.
Tip #6 - Submit feedback and suggestions
Use the Feedback Form or call Customer Information at 604.953.3333.
Alerts & Advisories
Sign-up for Transit Alerts to receive an email or SMS message whenever one of your favourite routes have changed.
Trip Planner
For detailed information on our modified schedules, plan a trip or browse any of the affected routes in our Trip Planner.
How We’re Keeping the System Clean
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Cleaning Pit Crews: We’ve deployed cleaning “pit crews” to disinfect SkyTrain cars at high traffic stations. Pit crews will be stationed at major hubs to disinfect high-touch surfaces on trains during peak hours. Crews will also be on board to clean between stations.
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Daily cleaning and disinfecting schedules: Across SkyTrain, West Coast Express and HandyDART vehicles, we’ll be conducting daily cleaning, including a disinfectant spray down of poles, seats, ceilings, handles, windows, sills, and all other high touch surfaces.
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Maintaining enhanced bus and SeaBus sanitization and disinfection schedules: Vehicles and vessels are sprayed and disinfected twice per week, in addition to daily cleaning schedules.
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Window policy: We have been closely examining ventilation on our transit system. To allow for more fresh air circulation during COVID-19, we have updated our policy so that customers may open windows on our system for additional fresh air, should the vehicle type and weather be appropriate. We are also testing a new technology called photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) to sanitize the air and surfaces on board certain transit vehicles.
Ventilation on Transit Fleet
The ventilation on our buses and SkyTrains allows fresh air to circulate easily through our fleet. Between the multiple air vents, and the doors opening frequently, we’re keeping our customers safe.
Ventilation on Buses
Ventilation on SkyTrains
What You Need to Know
Updated: Friday, Mar. 11, 2022
Mask or Face Covering Requirements on Transit
The Provincial Health Officer has lifted the mask mandate in all indoor public spaces, including on TransLink services, effective 12:01 a.m., March 11, 2022.
While masks are no longer mandatory while onboard bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and West Coast Express services, customers are welcome to wear a mask or face covering based on individual level of comfort. Wearing a mask or face covering is a personal choice and we ask you please respect your fellow transit riders who wish to continue using a mask or face covering.
Please note, the mandatory mask policy is still in place for both customers and employees on HandyDART. HandyDART drivers are required to wear masks only when interacting with customers.
Window Policy
We have been closely examining ventilation on our transit system.
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On many of our vehicles there is already considerable air circulation via transit doors repeatedly opening and closing.
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Our vehicles are outfitted with various types of air filtration systems.
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We’re exploring new and emerging technologies to see how we can do even better.
We understand why some customers might want windows opened to allow for more fresh air circulation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we’ve updated our policy so that customers may open windows to allow for additional fresh air, should the vehicle type and weather be appropriate.
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Not all windows can open and under certain weather conditions it may not be appropriate in consideration of other passengers.
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Frontline employees have the discretion to open or close windows depending on the circumstances.
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HandyDART customers may ask their driver for assistance if they are unable to open the window themselves.
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Customers should always dress for the weather conditions.
We are not aware of any COVID-19 outbreaks occurring on public transit in Metro Vancouver and according to Public Health the risk remains low.
Measures Specific to HandyDART
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Masks are required on HandyDART for all customers and employees until further notice. Drivers are required to wear masks only when interacting with customers.
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For medical reasons, we understand not all HandyDART customers can wear a mask. We ask that everyone demonstrates respect to their fellow transit riders.
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HandyDART vehicles are being cleaned and disinfected every day, with drivers also wiping all touch points between trips.
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HandyDART operators are supplied with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which includes gloves, a mask, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes.
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HandyDART customers are pre-screened for COVID-19 symptoms as part of the booking process and are requested to wear a non-medical face covering or mask while travelling if they are able to.
FAQs
Updated: Friday, Mar. 11, 2022
What’s the best way to feel COVID-19 safe while using transit?
We continue to work closely with health officials to do our part to keep our employees and riders feel safe.
While you are in stations, riding buses or trains, remember these tips:
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Stay home if you’re feeling unwell.
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You’re welcome to wear a mask while onboard transit, based on your own level of comfort. Please note masks are still required on HandyDART services.
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Sneeze or cough into your sleeves, elbow or tissue.
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Disinfect your hands before and after riding transit.
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Refer to the safety tips section on this page for more information.
What is TransLink doing to keep the system clean?
During the pandemic, TransLink has increased cleaning efforts across our entire system. You can find more information on how we are keeping our stations, vehicles and facilities. Refer to the how we’re keeping the system clean section on this page for more information.
Resources
For more information on COVID-19, please see any of the following pages:
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Public Health Agency of Canada - Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
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BC Centre for Disease Control - Novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
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For interpretation services, call the Health Canada COVID-19 information line at 1-833-784-4397 or email phac.info.aspc@canada.ca