Toronto is set to make wearing a face covering mandatory for riders using Toronto Transit Commission services, mayor John Tory announced on Thursday.
The plan is expected to go into effect for July 2. Tory noted that transit enforcement officers will be focusing on education rather than enforcement, with one million non-medical masks available for riders if needed.
On the advice of Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, the TTC will be making face coverings mandatory as of July 2. The TTC will also be providing 1 million non-medical masks to transit riders, with a targeted distribution focus for priority and vulnerable neighbourhoods.
— Joe Cressy (@joe_cressy) June 11, 2020
The TTC will have to approve the recommendation, but TTC CEO Rick Leary has already indicated he supports the plan.
The TTC is planning to launch an education campaign to inform riders about the new rule, although Tory noted that riders could potentially face fines in certain situations.
The TTC estimates between 50 and 60 per cent of riders are currently using face masks.
Image via Flickr/Asher Isbrucker