GOVA is preparing for a gradual reopening of its regular public transit service in alignment with the first stage of the Province of Ontario’s restart plan.
The safety and well-being of passengers and employees are the highest priority during each phase of reopening.
Beginning Monday, June 15, front-door boarding and fare collection will resume on all GOVA Transit buses. Installation of temporary clear plastic shields in the operator area of all buses will physically distance employees and passengers boarding through the front doors and using the fare box.
Additional safety measures remain ongoing including:
- enhanced cleaning of buses and regular sanitation of high touch surfaces,
- availability of personal protective equipment for transit employees and
- daily management of passenger capacity to support physical distancing.
Passengers are encouraged to follow recommendations of the Chief Medical Officer of Health while travelling on public transit:
- wear a facemask,
- wash hands frequently and
- practise physical distancing.
Routes and schedules modified in April will continue for the time being. Restoration of pre-COVID routes and schedules will consider provincial orders to restart the economy and public health guidelines.
Reduced schedules and suspended routes have freed resources to deploy two buses whenever possible at peak times on heavier travelled routes to support physical distancing. GOVA Transit continues to monitor ridership on a daily basis.
The Downtown Transit Hub at 9 Elm St. will reopen for sales of GOVA Transit Ride Cards and Passes on Monday, June 8. One-way access to the ticket kiosk will support physical distancing. The indoor waiting area and washrooms remain closed until further notice.
Sales of Ride Cards and Passes will also be available at various retail locations beginning June 8. Registered clients of GOVA Plus specialized transit service may purchase new Ride Cards and Passes from their GOVA Plus operator.
GOVA Transit will replace 31-Day Passes that expired after the suspension of transit fares on March 19, 2020 to compensate for the number of days remaining on the pass.
Passengers must present their 31-Day Pass at the Downtown Transit Hub ticket kiosk to qualify.
More information about the GOVA Transit family of services and a list of retailers for GOVA Ride Cards and Passes are available at www.greatersudbury.ca/transit.
