The union that represents many transit workers is calling TransLink’s warnings about cuts to transit operator staffing levels “reckless” and an “irresponsible move that would do more harm than good during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Tens of thousands of essential services workers rely on transit to get to work," said Jerry Dias, Unifor national president. "Cutting transit service would make life even more difficult for working COVID-19 heroes, and ultimately the people they have been dutifully serving."

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TransLink cuts could lead to more crowding, making social distancing on transit more difficult.

Unifor is calling on all levels of government to fill a funding shortfall caused by the pandemic.

"Our elected leaders must sort it out and get it done. All jurisdictions have a role to play to maintain regional transit levels," said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor western regional director. "TransLink shouldn't treat the public like guinea pigs in a budget experiment."

The union also says that pass-ups resulting from COVID-19 precautions that reduce bus capacity are already leading to social distancing violations and abuse of transit operators.

"When you've been passed up two or three times, you're going to fight your way on to the next bus, no matter the recommended distancing requirements," said Balbir Mann, Unifor Local 111 president, representing transit operators. "Many passengers are taking out their frustration on transit operators."

TransLink has said that Metro Vancouver commuters will see unprecedented cuts to transit services unless the transportation authority gets emergency funding to offset losses incurred for providing essential transit services during the pandemic.

“TransLink’s revenue is down $70 million a month or $2.5 million a day,” said New Westminster Mayor Jonathan Cote, chair of the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation. “Our transit agency relies heavily on being funded by transit fares and the gas tax. With transit ridership down 80% and driving down 60%, the revenue sources have completely evaporated almost overnight. That has put TransLink in a bit of a crisis when it comes to their financial sustainability.”

Cote said TransLink has been engaged in talks with the federal and provincial governments for the last two weeks and has made them aware of the financial stress the public transit agency is under.