Regina Transit to keep operating, but with changes

Regina Transit made changes to its system Friday, but buses will continue running as the city contends with the possible spread of COVID-19.

As of Friday, fares for both transit and paratransit services were being waived.

Starting Monday, weekday service is to be replaced by the Saturday service schedule. The frequency of buses from Monday to Friday during peak periods will change from 15 minutes to 30 minutes.

Service on Saturdays will change to a Sunday service schedule, while Sunday and holidays will remain at the same level of service.

The schedule change reflects a decrease in demand for transit.

“Over the past week, Regina Transit has experienced a reduction of more than 60 per cent in weekday ridership from 26,000 rides per weekday to 10,000 per weekday,” the city said in a media release.

Because fares won’t be collected at the front of the bus, riders now are to use the rear doors to enter and exit the bus to allow for social distancing between the driver and other passengers.

The front doors still will be available for those who use mobility devices or require the low floor bus service.

At the end of each day, all buses will be fogged using a hospital-grade disinfectant as part of an increased cleaning regimen.

With transit pass and ticket sales halted, the Transit Information Centre on 11th Avenue will be closed to the public starting Saturday.

Passes now are on hold and those who bought them will receive an option to add an additional month free upon reactivation. Customers also can opt to cancel their pass and receive a refund through the RideLine.