Masks become mandatory on TTC starting Thursday

Mayor John Tory handed out masks to transit users at Kennedy Subway Station Thursday morning. Face coverings are now mandatory on the TTC in an effort to help contain the spread of COVID-19.

By News Staff

Face coverings will be required on the TTC starting Thursday.

“Safety is always our top priority and throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we have continually adapted our operations and services based on best practices and in consultation with Toronto Public Health,” TTC CEO Rick Leary said in a release.

“The changes we are making on July 2 are very much in line with that approach, ensuring the well-being of customers and employees is our paramount consideration.”

The TTC Board approved mandatory face coverings on June 17. Exemptions will be made for children under two years of age and for those who have medical considerations or are unable to put on or take off a face covering.

Not wearing a face covering carries with it a fine of $195 but the TTC says it lean towards education, not enforcement, in order to get people to comply.

That’s not the only change coming to the TTC on Thursday.

All-door boarding will be permitted and fareboxes will brought back on buses as well.

What if you want to ride the TTC, but don’t have a face mask?

The TTC says it will be distributing one million single-use non-medical masks throughout the transit system for those who need one.

“Masks will be distributed to TTC customers in the community through a partnership with the City of Toronto’s Poverty Reduction Office and affiliated agencies,” the TTC release states. “Remaining masks will be distributed by TTC employees on Wheel-Trans vehicles, in subway stations on a rotating basis, and along the busiest bus routes.”

Non-medical masks are also mandatory on all Brampton Transit buses and at their terminals. Fares have also been reinstated, as has all-door boarding.

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