Transit users may experience bus delays or cancellations this week: HRM

The Halifax Regional Municipality is asking transit users to check for delays or cancellations before heading to their bus stops.

“Based on current staff availability, Halifax Transit anticipates that conventional bus service may be impacted over the coming days,” the municipality said in a news release Monday.

Route disruptions will be found on Halifax Transit's website and @hfxtransit on Twitter.

With community spread confirmed in the Halifax area and the number of new daily cases at record levels, the transit union head has taken to Twitter to say his members are worried.

HRM says a number of safety measures have been implemented to reduce the spread of the virus, including an increased frequency in wipe-downs of high-touch surfaces.

However, the president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 508, Ken Wilson, wants to see the safety measures used in the first wave return to Halifax's buses, including reduced passenger capacity and rear-door boarding, which meant fares were waived.

He's also renewing his call for enforcement of the mandatory mask policy.

Currently, anyone over the age of two is required to wear a mask unless they have a medical reason why they can't, but Wilson has said there's not much a transit operator can do if someone refuses.

Halifax Transit is considered an essential service, which means physical distancing and gathering limits do not apply.