Transit users in Sarnia will not be left waiting in the cold for too long as capacity restrictions are lifted.
Passenger capacity on all buses were reduced early on in the pandemic to ensure social distancing measures were being followed. Capacity limits were maintained at 50 per cent but restrictions were lifted on Wednesday.
Transit Manager Michelle Carter said passengers will still be required to wear a face mask while on-board and buses will continue to be sanitized in between trips.
"We have hand sanitizer still available on all of the buses," said Carter. "We do have all of our regular cleaning measures in place."
Several other transit agencies across the province had already reinstated full capacity. Carter said the city is following suit as colder weather approaches.
"We do generally see a higher volume of passengers getting on the buses here and there just because it gets a little colder, or [there's] snow, or rain," she said. "At this point, we're concerned about making sure that people aren't left behind with the current 50 per cent capacity limit in weather situations."
Carter said it's expected that public transit will continue to operate at full capacity moving forward, provided the province doesn't issue further regulations.
"We see this being a permanent move," said Carter.
Sarnia Transit buses range in size from small to large. Without capacity restrictions, a small bus can seat approximately 18 to 20 people and the newest large buses can seat up to 39 people.
During a weather event, Carter asks that passengers remain patient if delays occur.
