Vancouver's charming - and useful - Aquabus system of rainbow-sporting ferries opted to temporarily halt service on March 17 due to COVID-19. This Friday, May 22, however, the ferries have gone back in service, moving people across and around False Creek once again.
Operating on a shortened daily schedule from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Aquabus says this is a "soft" re-launch for the ferry service, and they have been "carefully watching how commuter traffic is evolving among other public transportation entities" to help shape their new service model.
Aquabus says their "bike ferries" have large deck spaces that will allow them to transport a limited number of passengers and maintain proper distancing, with seating marked off. Dock watchers and drivers will be monitoring distancing, and those staff will be required to wear gloves and masks. Masks for passengers will be voluntary, and santization stations are set up on their vessels.
Other safety measures now include: "additional constant hand sanitization from stations provided; cash transactions discouraged; hourly spatial sanitization on all shifts; management monitoring for COVID symptoms at every shift, crew with suspected symptoms will be stood down."
Commuters or anyone looking to enjoy some time outside in the spring sunshine can once again hop a ride on a colourful Vancouver Aquabus.
