Pandemic update: TransLink promotes face mask use

TransLink yesterday launched a campaign to promote rider use of face coverings while using the system during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of the “Wearing is Caring” campaign, TransLink employees will distribute 15,000 TransLink-branded masks to riders. 

“We want masks to become a regular part of our transit system,” TransLink Chief Executive Officer Kevin Desmond said in a press release.

TransLink also will install posters and decals at its stations to promote the campaign, run giveaways on its social media accounts, and offer branded face masks for sale later this summer. 

This week, Translink also began installing additional hand sanitizer dispensers at 11 SkyTrain stations in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Meanwhile, in New York, the MTA Metro-North Railroad yesterday increased overall service to 61 percent of the normal weekday schedule to accommodate more riders as the region gradually reopens.

Under the new schedule, Metro-North is running 116 trains on the Hudson, Harlem and New Haven lines, compared with 54 trains running as part of the reduced scheduled. 

Also, MTA New York City Transit officials last week demonstrated a full spectrum of its ultraviolet disinfecting technology across an entire train set, marking the latest progress in the subway’s disinfection technology pilot to eradicate the coronavirus on rolling stock.