Commuters Raise Concerns With Buses Now Being Able To Run At Full Capacity

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West Bus Station

With 39 new coronavirus cases, residents are expressing fears about buses being allowed to run at full capacity.

A June 25 notice from the Transport Board has informed bus operators and the public that seating capacity has reverted to normal.

“All buses are now allowed to carry the full [number] of passengers that the bus is licensed to carry,” the notice reads.

However, safety measures are still in place to avoid the spread of the virus, including the wearing of face masks. Persons are cautioned that if they fail to abide by this protocol, they will not be allowed to board the vehicles.

While, reportedly, there is no proof of community spread by the new cases, one commuter says she will have to find alternative means to move about. She says she will not risk riding a bus filled with people – including hotel workers – whose status she does not know.

Another woman comments that wearing a mask in a bus packed to capacity – especially on longer trips – will be quite trying in this heat, especially for persons with respiratory ailments.

During the height of the pandemic, the 24-seater buses were allowed to transport only seven passengers, while the bigger vehicles were allowed a capacity of 17.

Accordingly, bus operators lobbied the Government for relief, complaining that the seating arrangement was not profitable.

 

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4 COMMENTS

    • To double the fare is crazy. most person are not working at this time, but still has to go out to get at least food to eat.

  1. This is another decision that marks the Government lack of sensitivity to their citizens’ welfare! Unfortunately, it is economy over citizenry!

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