Riders support mandatory masks
Daisy Stylli has hated taking the 99 B-Line to work every day the past few months.
The 18-year-old has worn a mask and tried to keep her distance from others, but the bus is too busy and she said it’s “basically impossible.”
However, leading up to Monday, when TransLink’s new mandatory mask policy came into effect, Stylli said she noticed most people were wearing masks. On Monday, virtually everyone was.
“Honestly, I did feel a bit safer,” said Stylli, as she waited for the bus at Commercial-Broadway SkyTrain station.
The mandate applies to the public and to transit employees when they are inside transit vehicles. There are exceptions for bus drivers and SeaBus staff who are behind shields or in enclosed compartments. Children under five years of age are exempt, as are those who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons or due to a disability.
TransLink is not immediately enforcing the policy, though Transit Police can hand out tickets and remove people from transit property for disobeying posted rules and regulations. Education is the focus for now.
Ellie Bui, a regular on the 99 B-Line, said the policy convinced her, and likely others, to wear a mask on transit.
“I used to not really care about it that much because I’m focusing on bettering my health,” she said. “I have confidence that I’m healthy, but I wear it for other people.”
During a ride on the Expo Line between Surrey and Vancouver during the morning rush hour, train cars were nowhere near as full as usual, and virtually every person was wearing a face covering of some kind — brightly patterned reusable masks, blue medical masks, even fabric of bandanas wrapped around the nose and mouth.
Out of hundreds of people, it appeared that no more than 10 boarded the train without a face covering during the entire trip.
It was a similar scene at Commercial-Broadway and Waterfront stations, where SeaBus users and bus riders were, for the most part, sporting masks.
TransLink’s Ben Murphy said staff made similar observations on Monday.
“What I can tell you is so far, so good,” he told reporters at Waterfront Station. “Compliance rates do appear to be fairly high out on most, if not all modes, so we’re very encouraged by what we’re seeing today and we’re very pleased by what we’re seeing today.”
Murphy said the transit authority will continue to assess the situation in the coming days and weeks and target education effort and mask distribution on areas or routes that need improvement.
“But, from Day 1, first day of the policy, it seems people have gotten the message and most people are now wearing a mask, so we are very, very encouraged by that,” he said.
Anna Corti, who has been back on transit since May, said she’s felt comfortable on the SeaBus because it’s not very busy. Lately, she has also seen a high percentage of people wearing masks on transit and elsewhere, which makes her feel better.
“Yes, you’re kind of losing your freedom, but, on the other hand, if it helps prevent (transmission), why not?” Corti said.
B.C. Transit’s mandatory mask policy also came into effect on its systems throughout the province on Monday, along with one on B.C.
Ferries, which applies to everyone on board a ferry or in a terminal, with some exceptions, including if people are in their vehicles.
They’re the latest in a series of policies and enforcement measures that have come into effect after weeks of rising COVID-19 case counts in B.C.
On Friday, B.C. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth announced that police officers and special constables would be able to levy a $2,000 fine on those who organize large parties in contravention of a ban on gatherings of more than 50 people and guidelines to provide space for physical distancing. People who don’t follow officers’ directions or respond with “abusive behaviour” can be fined $200.