Transit Services moves into Intermediate Phase

Monday, July 6, 2020

The safety and well-being of transit customers and staff is paramount. As part of Stage 2 Intermediate Phase, the City of Sault Ste. Marie Transit Services will implement further service modifications to support the physical distancing efforts recommended by Algoma Public Health and provincial and federal governments.
 
“With the installation of shields on City Transit buses passengers can resume front entry,” says Brent Lamming, Directory of Community Services. “The shields provide a protective barrier for both the driver and passenger in alignment with recommended social distancing guidelines. A number of seats will continue to be restricted for use and passenger capacity will slightly increase. Additional cleaning efforts will continue and buses remain available for call out when capacity limits are reached.”
 
Transit Services modifications will be in effect beginning at 6:15 a.m. Monday, July 13, 2020 until further notice:
  • Sault Ste. Marie transit is to be used for essential travel only.
  • Buses will continue to operate 1-hour service leaving the terminal at 6:15 a.m. (Saturday service schedule). The last bus will leave the terminal at 11:15 p.m.
  • The Community bus will leave the terminal at 6:15 a.m.
  • Sunday service hours remain the same. On-Demand transit will continue to operate as normal on Sunday evenings.
  • With the installation of protective shields for the transit operators, customers are asked to board and pay through the front door and exit through the rear door. If you have a mobility aide, or otherwise require the ramp, you can continue to use the front door for entry and exit.
  • Physical distancing is needed by customers and staff to ensure we continue providing public transit service to those who need it. Transit Services will be increasing the amount of passengers from 10 – 12 riders to 15 –16 riders per bus. Seats will continue to be blocked in accordance with the recommended physical distancing guidelines. If a bus passes by, it means the driver has reached the passenger limit. Every effort will be made to deploy another bus when possible.
  • Passengers are encouraged to wear masks with the exception of children under the age of two, those with respiratory or medical conditions that make it difficult to wear a mask or those who have difficulty putting a mask on themselves. Mask wearing will not be enforced, although is strongly recommended.
  • Bus Pass purchases will be extended for those that were valid as of March 19:
    • Monthly Pass: Any pass that was still valid after March 19 will be extended until July 31, 2020.
    • 92 day Pass: Any 92 Day pass that was valid after March 19 be extended until end of July 31, 2020.
    • 4 Month Semester Pass: Any 4 month semester passes issued in March would be extended to the end of August 31, 2020.
  • Bus passes can be purchased at 111 Huron St, Rome’s Independent Grocer and the Market Mall postal office.
  • The Transit Terminal remains closed
  • Parabus clients should call 705-942-1404 to cancel any non-essential transportation.
In addition to these modifications, the City will begin to implement its Best for Kids pilot program which provides free transit for one child and one adult to access various City attractions including the pump track, skateboard park, splash pad and Manzo and Greco pools. Customers must inform the driver upon entry.
 
“We thank all our Transit staff for their continued dedication to our community during this unprecedented time and to our customers for their cooperation and patience,” says Nicole Maione, Manager of Transit and Parking. “The installation of the shields will ensure continued service, and above all else, protect our operators and our passengers which continues to remain our top priority. We are also happy that we can begin to implement our Best for Kids pilot program to further assist families in our community during this time.”
 
Transit services continues to provide an essential community service in a manner that is safe and accessible to all. Customers are asked to respect onboard protocols and signage at all times. For more information, contact City Transit at 705-759-5438 or email transit@cityssm.on.ca.
 
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Contact Us

Phone
705-759-2500

Email
info@cityssm.on.ca

Fax
705-759-2310

TTY
1-877-688-5528

Location
99 Foster Drive
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
P6A 5X6