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“Over the course of the testing period, the focus evolved to include the analysis of the potential benefits in preventing the transmission of COVID-19,” the report states.
Temporary soft vinyl barriers were among the safety measures installed on all buses in June as part of the city’s Transit Recovery Plan.
Trains are already equipped with a separate cab that provides protection for rail operators, the report states, and Para Transpo operators have been issued face shields for use on minibuses where it is “impractical” to install a larger permanent shield.
OC Transpo researched various barrier systems, but determined that current manufacturers had not designed any new system that would specifically address COVID-19 transmission.
However, staff believe that replacing temporary vinyl barriers with permanent barriers “offers safety improvements to operators and customers and will help to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission by creating a more defined and separate space for bus operators,” the report states.
It is estimated to cost $6 million to retrofit 746 OC Transpo buses, the report states.
The barriers would be a “standard feature” of any new buses purchased.
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