Transit Windsor back on May 4 under 'enhanced Sunday service'

The City of Windsor announced Monday that Transit Windsor will be back up and running on May 4.

In a press conference at city hall, Mayor Drew Dilkens made the announcement, following his March 26 suspension of the service.

Although buses will be back up and running,Transit Windsor will "restore daily service following the Enhanced Sunday Service schedule only," according to the mayor's office.

"We still have to provide the social distancing that is required (on buses)," saidPat Delmore, executive director of Transit Windsor.

Delmore calls that two-metredistance requirement a "real challenge" across the country for public transit operations. It means about 10 to 15 people per bus across the industry, he said.

"We will provide some additional buses throughout the system," said Delmore.

Riders can expect buses every 20 minutes on the crosstown and 1C routes.

This level of service will be in place until May 31.

"It will be a struggle," Delmore said,explainingthis service should be usedfor "essential trips" only.

"If you don't have to take transit, don't," said Dilkens, adding he does not want essential service workers to contract the disease or have it spread any further.

"We would still recommend at this time that they use other forms of transportation that they can."

WATCH| Here's why transit is coming back now:

Transit Windsor returns with limited service May 4

4 years ago

Duration 2:35

Mayor Drew Dilkens and Transit Windsor executive director Pat Delmore explain why public transit is coming back to the city.

On Friday, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) releasedrecommendations for a safe transit system, which included a list for both the transit system to stay safe, as well as for its riders.

"Maintaining a safe transit system is a priority at all times," a memo released by WECHU read.

"As we continue to learn from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to ensure all measures are in place to protect our transit employees and the public who rely on public transit."

According to the city, discussions with Amalgamated Transit Union Local 616 representatives began last week, after thoseWECHU recommendations, and while discussions are ongoing, it is anticipated that a Memorandum of Agreement can be reached to enable full compliance with WECHU recommendations by May 4.

Buses were pulled off the road by the City of Windsoron March 29.

City council approved a one-time payment for residents who bought transit passesbetweenFebruary 19, 2020 and March 19, 2020 or held a monthly pass valid for that time period.

The city said subject to verificationthe payments are being processed across three categories:

• University of Windsor students to receive $25 per eligible student pass
• Regular pass holders (Adult, Student and Senior) need to apply for a payment on-line to be eligible for a $50 amount.
• The City of Windsor provides over 2,500 passes to low-income and vulnerable individuals who receive a bus pass as part of their social assistance program. These individuals will not need to apply and will receive a $75 payment.

The city said ithasalreadyprocessed the Ontario Works, Affordable Pass Program, and Ontario Disability Support Program user rebates and is in the process of completing other rebates. The online application process has only resulted in about 1,400 applications to date. All individuals who believe themselves to be eligible are encouraged to apply. More information can be found atwww.transitwindsor.ca.