Masks to be made mandatory on the TTC July 2
Posted June 11, 2020 10:00 am.
Last Updated June 11, 2020 12:48 pm.
Mayor John Tory has announced the TTC will be requiring passengers to wear masks or face coverings as of July 2.
The TTC will also initially distribute one million masks to those who do not have them. Tory added they will also be focused on education and not enforcement.
The TTC board will still have to pass the recommendation at the meeting next week.
There will be exceptions to the mandatory rules including children under two years old and those with medical or other conditions.
In the bylaw, a fine of $195 can be laid if someone doesn’t wear a mask, but both Mayor John Tory and TTC CEO Rick Leary say they do not intend to enforce fines.
When pressed on when a fine can be laid, Tory said “I suppose it’s possible that if someone repeatedly comes to the same station every day without a mask that they could be issued a ticket.”
Mayor Tory added no one will be denied a ride on the TTC because they’re not wearing a mask.
Leary said they will also be launching an awareness campaign on the TTC and on social media along with having COVID ambassadors at certain stations to provide education on face coverings.
The province released guidelines today recommending passengers wear masks on public transit to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
It also urges commuters to practice physical distancing and hand washing, and the installation of barriers between drivers and passengers along with frequent cleanings.
The mask recommendation comes as the province releases safety guidance to transit agencies as the economy reopens and people return to work.
Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney said the guidelines were designed in consultation with health and transit authorities.
