The way passengers travel on buses, CityCats and ferries will change from today as Brisbane City Council introduces further safety precautions to protect public transport operators and users from coronavirus.
From the first services today (Wednesday 25 March) only pre-paid Go Cards will be accepted on public transport. On buses, all passengers must board through the rear doors and the front passenger seat will cordoned off.
Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said public transport is safe to use but he wanted to boost commuter confidence and keep buses moving throughout this health crisis.
“Public transport is an essential service we want to keep running, but we also want to protect our drivers and passengers,” Cr Schrinner said.
“By only taking Go Card payments on services it will ensure all operators can practice social distancing in their workplace.
“Every safety measure counts as we fight this global pandemic.
“We want passengers to travel with confidence on our services and nightly cleaning of more than 1200 council buses has already been introduced.
“In the past week there has been about a 36 per cent decrease in people catching buses compared to the same time last year.
“Our bus services are still running to their usual schedule and there’s plenty of space on board.
“By cordoning off the front single passenger seat on buses near the driver will also ensure the bus driver can go about their daily job with limited contact with passengers.”
Cr Schrinner said detailed planning with other council leaders and State Government agencies has ensured council has the plans in place to keep essential services operating if coronavirus impacts heavily on drivers and other operational staff.
“We will continue to take advice from Queensland Health on matters relating to the operation of essential services and have planned for impacts to staffing, scheduling and services,” he said.
As bus services continue, Council’s contingency plans include:
- If staff shortages occur, Council may revert to weekend schedules;
- Limits may be imposed on passenger numbers on the advice of Queensland Health;
- CityCats will continue to operate, dependent on advice from Queensland Health;
- Limits may be imposed on passenger numbers on the advice of Queensland Health;
- Monohull Ferry Services may cease; and
- Due to the small size of our cross-river ferries and City Hoppers, services may cease on the advice of Queensland Health.
