Modern Mississauga and the City of Mississauga have come together to present an ongoing series called “Ask the City.” We’ll share relevant information here and answer your questions about our city.
Today’s question is about the masks being mandatory on MiWay and fares no longer being free.

Mandatory Masks and Fare Reinstation on Mississauga's MiWay as of July 2nd, 2020 - What You Need To Know

1. How will masks on MiWay be enforced?
While non-medical masks or face coverings will be mandatory, children under the age of two, people with disabilities or other medical conditions that prevent them from wearing any mask will not be required to wear one. These conditions are invisible, making enforcement impractical. MiWay staff will approach this issue from an assumption of goodwill and the wearing of non-medical masks or face coverings will not be enforced by Transit Operators, Supervisors or Transit Enforcement personnel. Those travelling on MiWay need to demonstrate personal responsibility and wear one for the safety of others and by extension, themselves. 
2. How will drivers de-escalate possible hostile situations for riders refusing?
The wearing of face coverings or non-medical masks will not be enforced.

3. Will there be hand sanitizer and masks available on buses?
Masks and hand sanitizer will not be available on buses for customers. In advance of July 2, MiWay will be distributing a limited supply of single-use, non-medical masks to customers at key terminals and stops across the city. Customers will need to exercise personal responsibility and bring their own face covering or hand sanitizer when they travel. Hand sanitizer remains available at the City Centre Transit Terminal (CCTT) for customer use.

4. Will buses see a reduced capacity as of July 2?
Today, all MiWay buses have seats taped-off to encourage physical distancing, which results in less passenger capacity on each bus. As of July 2, capacity on buses will increase to 50 per cent seated load, resulting in an additional eight to 11 seats available, depending on the type of bus. As recovery progresses, more riders are taking transit and physical distancing has become even harder to maintain which is why MiWay recommends the use of non-medical masks or face coverings while taking public transit.

5. Will there be floor markings for physical distancing on buses?
MiWay will not be adding floor markings on buses. New enhanced seat decals will replace the existing yellow tape on all buses as MiWay returns to fare collection and increased passenger loads on July 2. Passengers travelling on MiWay are asked to use their good judgement when riding and to practice physical distancing when possible.

6. Will drivers be mandated to wear masks?
Driver bio-barriers have been installed on all MiWay buses which provide a physical barrier between customers boarding at the front of the bus and the operator. Today, masks are a personal choice by the Transit Operator. MiWay has supplied operators with washable masks, should they choose to wear them.

MiWay continues to work closely with its Union partners to determine circumstances where masks or face coverings is mandatory while on the job.

7. What happens with riders with respiratory issues/other issues that prevent them from wearing masks on MiWay?
No passenger will be denied boarding or questioned why he/she is not wearing a non-medical mask or face covering.

8. Will this be a permanent change re: masks on MiWay?
MiWay will continue to follow the guidance of the Region of Peel Public Health and the Governments of Ontario and Canada. It is anticipated that even as restrictions lift, customers will continue to wear a non-medical mask or face coverings for their personal safety, and as a personal preference, while on public transit. 

9. What safety measures has MiWay taken to equip their buses to be safer for riders?
At the onset of COVID-19, MiWay applied long-acting antimicrobial agents on all buses. This is the same product being used by Metrolinx and other Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area transit agencies. Enhanced cleanings inside MiWay buses continue nightly.

MiWay staff continue to maintain ongoing bus cleaning schedules and are working hard to keep buses clean of garbage.

The CCTT and all City-owned Mississauga Transitway stations are receiving increased touch point cleaning.

MiWay has also installed bio-barriers on all buses to keep Transit Operators and customers safe as they board and pay on buses.

10. Will service levels remain the same or be increased with the introduction of masks on MiWay?
MiWay continues to makes service adjustments based on changing customer demand. In June, more service was added to MiWay’s core routes to help manage increased passenger loads. In September, more adjustments are anticipated as more businesses reopen and students return to school.

11. Will drivers be working the same duration of shifts pre-COVID-19 or will they be on shorter shifts to reduce exposure to the virus?
There is no change to driver shifts due to COVID-19. A Transit Operator’s shift depends on the work selected.

12. Can you provide a list of bus fares?
MiWay’s Fares Booth inside the CCTT will reopen on Wednesday, June 24. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 11:15 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice.

MiWay customers are strongly encouraged to pay with PRESTO. This is a contact-free, paper transfer-free way to travel. Customers can avoid line ups and load their PRESTO card online at prestocard.ca or download the official PRESTO app. Don’t have a PRESTO card? Visit a purchase location.

For more information on fares, visit miway.ca/fares