OC Transpo to keep mask mandate in place for 'foreseeable future'
OC Transpo will keep its mask mandate in place even after the province lifts its masking requirements on public transit, the city’s transit chief said Wednesday.
The province lifted masking rules in most places last month, but they remain in place on public transit.
That mandate is set to expire on April 27, although health minister Christine Elliott mused Tuesday an extension “might be necessary.”
Transit general manager Renee Amilcar said if it’s not extended, OC Transpo will keep its own mask mandate in place.
“Should the provincial mandate end, we will continue to use the transit bylaw to maintain the current making requirement on our system for the foreseeable future,” Amilcar told transit commission on Wednesday.
Amilcar said the decision is based on advice from Ottawa Public Health. She added that masking on OC Transpo remains high, and special constables continue to monitor compliance with the rules.
“We will continue to communicate with customers that they must wear a mask on transit. We will also increase enforcement across the system to educate transit riders and ensure compliance,” she said.
“And we will await further instruction from the province and follow all legislation.”
Masks have been mandatory on all OC Transpo trains and buses, Para Transpo buses and at transit stations since June 2020.
Ridership increases, but still below budget projections
Ridership on OC Transpo buses and trains went up to 4.4 million in March, up from 3.4 million February.
However, ridership was still well below city projections. The city's 2022 budget estimated that ridership would reach 69 percent of pre-pandemic levels in March. However, ridership was under 50 per cent of March 2019 levels.
Transit on downtown bus routes on the O-Train was free for much of March, a move the city made because routes were affected earlier in the year by the 'Freedom Convoy' protest.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.