STM gradually resuming front-door boarding, ticket validation starting July 20

The Socit de transport de Montral (STM) is preparing for a return to normal service as public transit users across the province are required to wear masks as of Monday.

A week later, the STM will gradually resume front-door boarding and ticket validation. This will begin on about 40 bus lines serving downtown Montreal.

For the last several months, Montrealers had to board the bus from the rear, where there is no device to validate payment.

And while wearing masks or another face covering will be mandatory, it's still unclear how the STMwill enforce the new rule.

For now, the transit authoritysays they're focused on handing out masks and letting passengers know that they must wear a face covering before boarding.

"Our strategy is to make it easy for them to follow the new rules," said STM Chair Philippe Schnobbin a news conference Friday.

WATCH | STM Chair Philippe Schnobb explains next phase of service during the pandemic:

STM plans to hand out 1.5 million masks by October

4 years ago

Duration 0:44

Philippe Schnobb, chair of the STM, said that instead of ticketing people who don't comply with mandatory mask rule, inspectors and ticket agents will be handing out masks.

Riders without a mask cango to a ticket booth to get a reusable mask from an attendant. The STMplansto hand out 1.5 million masks in totalby October, which it has been doing since late May.

As for how to keep those without a mask out of public transit, the STM says they're waiting for more information from authorities.

"We're waiting for the specific details on the government's decree. We're waiting for the government to say what are our preoccupations about that," said Schnobb.

The STM says once masks become mandatory for all indoor spaces in Montreal, people will be used to carrying one around, which they expect will help people adopt the practice on public transit.

Montreal Mayor Valrie Plante said Monday that it will be mandatory to wear a mask in all indoor spaces by July 27.

Quebec Health Minister Christian Dub said Thursday that an announcement about a possible provincewide mask policy will be made soon.

Plexiglass on STM buses

In addition to riders wearing masks, plexiglass barriers separating the bus driver from passengers will be installed before front-door boarding resumes.

The seat behind the driver must also remain empty at all times.

The STM says riders will be able to obtain information about how many people are on the bus by checking its website.

That is expected to be in place by the end of August. By the end of October, passengers will also be able to check the capacity on some Metro cars.