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Within two days, more people will be able to use public transportation below alert level 2, but it doesn’t come without its limits.
Metlink on Monday announced updated plans for physical distancing and impact on passenger capacity across the Wellington region network.
It did not include permanence in services and the remaining physical distance at 2 meters for queues.
Travelers were required to be 1m apart when on board the services.
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Hagen Hopkins / Things
Wellington buses will be able to carry 40 percent of the usual seat load compared to 20 percent at alert level 3.
Wellington buses will be able to carry 40 percent of the usual seated load compared to 20 percent at alert level 3.
Buses will begin using the front door access, helping people with disabilities who may be able to make use of accessibility features
Trains will be able to carry 30 percent of the usual load compared to the previous 15 percent at alert level 3.
Ferries will start passenger services again on May 18 and will also operate with restricted capacity due to the 1m distance requirement.
Metlink CEO Scott Gallacher said operators and unions had worked hard behind the scenes to prepare for Alert Level 2 and increased demand for public transportation as more people returned to work.
Brya Ingram / Things
Cook Strait ferries will also carry reduced passenger capacity due to strict one meter social distance rules during Level 2.
“Physical distancing and not standing means our fleets will continue to operate below their maximum seated load and we thank passengers for their patience and understanding if they are unable to take their first bus, train or ferry,” he said.
Metlink advised all passengers to use its website and app to plan trips during Alert Level 2.
Stopping on buses, trains, or ferries would not be allowed during Alert Level 2.
The-Dominion-Post
Trains in Auckland and Wellington will be able to operate at a lower passenger capacity below alert level 2.
Auckland Transport said it would be operating according to normal hours, but with 43 percent of passenger capacity on buses, trains and ferries, to ensure safe physical distance is achieved.
Passengers were encouraged to download the Auckland transport app that showed how many people were on a bus / train service at any given time, so that they would know if it would be possible to distance 1m before boarding.
Hawke’s Bay public transportation would operate on its normal scheduled hours and would remain free of charge to avoid handling cash until further notice.
Passengers would be separated 1m on board and 2m apart at bus stops, with limited passenger capacity.
Passengers could sit one person per seat (unless they are in the same bubble), but were not allowed to stand.
