Passengers will once again start paying $2.50 for a ride on an RDN Transit bus. (BC Transit)

By Spencer Sterritt

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Fares re-instated on RDN buses as driver safety precautions installed

Jun 1, 2020 | 5:47 AM

NANAIMO — More plexiglass around RDN Transit drivers means riders have to pay fares once again.

Temporary shields were installed at the front of the 40 large buses in the fleet over the last three weeks as part of COVID-19 precautions. This means riders will now enter the bus at the front, instead of at the rear doors as they have since mid-March.

Fare remains at $2.50.

Daniel Pearce, director of transportation services with the RDN, said the service lost upwards of $400,000 a month in revenue since implementing the rear door policy.

“We’re not looking at any fare increases at the moment. We’re working with BC Transit and our board has sent a letter to both the provincial and federal government requesting some additional funding.”

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Capacity limits between 15 and 20 passengers will remain in place on buses.

Pearce said the limit hasn’t significantly impacted the many routes crossing the mid island region.

“However, on certain days of the week we are seeing some pressure on major lines, such as the number 20, 30 and 40. We are providing a few overload buses.”

Face masks worn on the bus are recommended but not mandatory.

Pearce said each bus undergoes a deep cleaning and is pulled off the route if additional cleaning is required during the day.

— with files from Ian Holmes

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit