(CARLI BERRY / iNFOnews.ca)

If you ride a B.C. Transit bus you'll soon have to wear a mask.

B.C. Transit, in conjunction with TransLink and other transportation agencies in the province, will require face coverings on buses as of Aug. 24, according to a B.C. Transit news release.

Exceptions will be made for children under five-years-old and for those who have health issues. 

B.C. Transit said its customers have indicated mandatory face coverings will "create a more comfortable environment."

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said transit is an important service for many British Columbians and has previously recommended wearing a mask while using public transit.

“B.C. Transit's decision to make masks mandatory on their vehicles will help make transit safer for fellow passengers," Dr. Henry said in the release. "Find one that's comfortable, and make time to get used to wearing them and taking them on and off as needed. Those of us who are able should be using masks on transit all the time. I do and I expect others to as well."

READ MORE: Physicians ask B.C.'s top doc to make mask use mandatory

The new policy will be implemented using educational steps rather than enforcement, B.C. Transit said.

"Public transit continues to be an essential service that people rely on, and we appreciate the work of our transit operators to keep these services running throughout the pandemic response and recovery," Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Claire Trevena said in the release. "Knowing your fellow bus passengers will also be wearing a non-surgical mask or face covering will help boost people’s confidence in choosing transit while contributing to a welcoming and safe environment on our buses.”

B.C. Transit and local governments are planning to hand out promotional face coverings later this summer.

For more details about the mandatory mask policy and B.C. Transit’s response to COVID-19, visit BC Transit's website here or call your local transit office.

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