Sarnia Transit service has been modified as of Monday, April 6.
The city said in a news release that it is operating a Saturday bus schedule during the week that still begins at 6:30 a.m.
This change has been made due to a decline in ridership and current staffing shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic.
No changes are being made to existing weekend bus service or start times.
The main differences between the regular weekday schedule and the Saturday schedule are:
- Route 9 Exmouth frequency reduction - Routes 4/3 Wellington Maxwell are combined - Route 6 Mitton does not operate - Routes with increased frequency during peak hours have less frequency or, peak-hour bus frequency on certain routes will be reduced - Route 10 Vidal will continue to operate to provide travel to essential employment during the week.
Sarnia Transit is also limiting the total number of passengers permitted on each bus, at one time, to ensure social distancing.
Once the limit is reached operators will bypass stops.
Efforts will be made to accommodate passengers who are unable to board due to ridership limits as quickly as possible but riders should be prepared to have to wait for the next scheduled bus. Passengers are also encouraged to leave earlier to ensure they reach their essential trip destinations at their desired times.
The city stresses that Sarnia Transit should be limited to essential travel only.
