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TransLink is making significant changes to how it operates transit in Metro Vancouver, including instituting rear-door boarding and forgoing fares on buses, to promote social distancing and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The moves come in the face of a precipitous drop in ridership over the past week, as a result of the choice by many of the region’s residents to work from home and forgo unnecessary outings.

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“I think it’s safe to say that this is an extraordinary measure, but it’s appropriate for what is an extraordinary time,” said TransLink spokesperson Ben Murphy.

“This is a very big step that TransLink has taken. It’s going to cause some significant pressures financially. That said, it’s the right decision, it’s an important decision, and I think it’s the decision that people in the region expect us to make.”

Starting on Friday and continuing until further notice, bus riders will be boarding and unloading only by the rear doors, to give more space to drivers. Those requiring mobility assistance can still use the front doors. Vehicles that don’t have a back door, such as highway coaches and community shuttles, will continue to load at the front.