BC Transit says ridership in Kamloops appears to have dropped off substantially because of COVID-19 concerns.

Spokesperson Jonathon Dyck says that has a lot to do with Thompson Rivers University students transitioning to classes online, and public school students being on spring break.

He says full-sized busses in Kamloops have room for 81 people.

“Around the 50-person limit, we have been notified that we are not included in that limit as we’re delivering an important service to transport people to work, including hospitals and other destinations including grocery shopping.”

Dyck says people can see how full a bus is, on the NextRide app, and advises people to take another bus if one appears to be too full for their comfort. “And again, health experts are saying that the best prevention [from COVID-19] is staying at home if you’re sick and personal hygiene.”

He adds some shuttles to ski hills have been discontinued because ski hills have closed, but otherwise he says local busses are running as normal.

Asked about any plans to increase security for drivers, like bringing in glass barriers at the front of busses, Dyck says BC Transit continues to work with drivers.

“We recognize that we have drivers and front-line staff who have public interactions, and we continue to provide support as required,” he says, adding that the Crown corporation has brought in enhanced cleaning measures on busses and at BC Transit facilities.