Cloth Masks
On Thursday, July 23, Niagara Regional Council passed a temporary face covering by-law (By-law 2020-46) to require residents to wear mandatory face coverings in enclosed public places, and on Regional and municipal transit during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This by-law is to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in indoor public spaces as more businesses and services begin to reopen.
With the by-law, the Niagara Region has made the wearing of masks on public transit mandatory. St. Catharines Transit is reminding its riders, and those visiting its facilities, to wear a mask or face covering.
Masks must be worn before entering buses, terminals, Paratransit buses and contracted taxis. Visit Niagara Region Public Health’s website for more information about wearing a mask, where to get a mask and other resources.
Remember, not all disabilities or medical conditions are visible.
Information about masks is available from the Ministry of Health Ontario.
Protective Shields and Hand Sanitizer
Protective shields will be installed at the front of all buses for the safety of operators and customers.
Hand sanitizer dispensers will be available at the bus terminal. To ensure access to hand sanitizer, please consider travelling with your own hand sanitizer.
Customers are encouraged to use hand sanitizing stations when they are available.
Front-Door Boarding, Front-Door Fare
Front-door boarding will resume to open up more space for customers. Customers who can, are reminded to exit using the rear doors.
Customers can pay using touch-free methods, including dropping cash fares into the fare box and obtaining a transfer, using ride cards or 31-day passes. Mobile ticketing is also available through the St. Catharines Transit App. Purchase your ride through the App and simply show your phone to driver when you board.
We will not be accepting cash at the bus terminal or administration offices. Customers will be required to pay using their debit card at these locations.
Paratransit Changes
Paratransit operators will wear surgical masks or face shields.
Paratransit trips will continue to be limited to two customers per trip while ridership levels are low.
This will continue as long as all Paratransit customers can be accommodated.
Stop! Do NOT use Transit if you’re Sick
New signage will be installed to remind customers to stay home if they:
- are not feeling well
- have had contact with a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case
- recently travelled outside Canada
- are experiencing any other symptoms of COVID-19
Around the Clock Cleaning
Following Public Health guidelines, St. Catharines Transit is conducting enhanced sanitizing and cleaning of all vehicles and terminals around the clock.