London Transit extended its rear door boarding policy today for the second time. Rear door boarding was originally anticipated to be over by the end of May and was then extended till June. The recent extension to the policy will be in effect until July 31st. Those who require the use of the accessibility seating are exempt from the rules.
The change to rear door boarding was made to keep passengers distanced from drivers. As a result of the change to rear door, boarding fares have not been collected due to the fare collection equipment being at the front of the bus.
In addition to the continuation of rear door access buses will continue to not collect fares. The last time London buses collected fares was March 19th. As a result, London Transit is experiencing a shortfall in funding. As buses are deemed an essential service they have no choice but to continue operating. In order to address the shortfall, the following changes have been made.
- Reduction in service levels on both the conventional and specialized services.
- Cancellation of the planned service improvements on both services scheduled to take effect in September.
- Reduced use of the Wonderland facility coincident with the reduced service levels, resulting in utility savings.
- A temporary hold placed on all studies associated with future growth plans and
- Limits on all operational spending to only those deemed necessary for the continuation of service.
Barriers for bus operators that were ordered in April are expected to arrive the week of July 10th. However, all of the barriers aren’t expected to be installed until October.
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