Driver demands Transit changes

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This article was published 02/06/2021 (1731 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Winnipeg Transit driver who was infected with COVID-19 is urging his employer to set clear capacity limits for buses and crack down on maskless riders.

The driver, who did not want his name published, believes he caught the virus at work. He deems it “ridiculous” that buses are permitted to carry more riders than the number of seats they contain, even as businesses must operate with reduced occupancy.

“This is sort of a life-and-death situation and you’re (Winnipeg Transit) a government agency. You can decide who boards your bus and who doesn’t. You can decide what your capacity limit is in the interest of public health,” he said. “Drivers are getting sick.”

The driver said he fears overcrowded buses are too common during the third wave in Manitoba. He urged Transit to set a capacity limit of about 15 people per bus, and perhaps block off select seats. Without that limit, he said it’s tough for drivers to protect themselves while spending their entire shifts in a confined space with recirculating air.

“If somebody wants to get on a crowded bus, there’s nothing we can do to stop them,” he said.

Transit says more than 99 per cent of riders obey the mask requirement, but the driver said compliance can vary. He wants the city to issue tickets to riders without masks.

A union leader who represents Winnipeg Transit drivers echoed the concerns.

“We’re getting two to three calls a week now from our drivers, confirming that they are COVID-positive. It’s an alarming rate,” said James Van Gerwen, executive vice-president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1505.

Van Gerwen said capacity limits would go a long way to ensuring the recommended two-metre distance between riders is maintained and drivers don’t have to work in crowded vehicles.

“We’re not given the same protection as (most workers) in Manitoba,” he said.

The union leader said at least 34 drivers have told ATU they were infected with COVID-19, though the actual number may be higher.

In an emailed statement, a Winnipeg Transit spokeswoman said it follows public health orders to protect drivers and passengers, with riders currently advised to use Transit for essential trips only.

“We have not set a capacity number (for buses), but ask passengers to maintain a reasonable separation from other passengers and not board buses (when they) don’t have room to do so,” said spokeswoman Megan Benedictson.

All buses are also treated with hospital-grade sanitizer at least once every 48 hours, she said.

While the city has the power to give out $100 tickets to riders who fail to wear masks, she confirmed no fines have been handed out.

She noted some riders are exempt from the mask requirement due to health conditions.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga