Update — Friday, April 3, 1:31 p.m.: The SCTC further decreases service, starting Sunday, April 5.

The St. Catharines Transit Commission is revising its policies and practices to protect drivers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Starting today, Friday, March 20, passengers must board vehicles only through the rear doors. Due to this new policy, passengers can no longer use the farebox to pay fares, so all service is free.

The transit agency is also blocking seats and restricting the number of passengers to maintain physical distancing aboard buses, while still providing service to people who need to use the bus to get to and from work.

According to an article in the St. Catharines Standard, St. Catharines Transit has seen an 80 per cent drop in ridership during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The transit commission decreased its services, starting Monday, March 16.