By TBHS | Posted: Friday May 1, 2020
The Timaru Link is in service alongside the MyWay by Metro on demand service was Timaru is in COVID-19 Level 3.
Under Level 3, government advice is that travel is still restricted, and is only allowed for permitted movement in your local area – e.g. for going to work or school, shopping, or getting exercise.
We know some of you going back to work or school at Level 3 will need public transport as an important part of your day. So, starting on Tuesday 28th April, Timaru’s public transport will be back on track.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, our plans were that the MyWay service would replace the Gleniti, Grantlea and Watlington services from mid-April, with the Timaru Link and Temuka services continuing. As of Tuesday next week, this will be the case.
MyWay by Metro will operate 7am-7pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am-6pm on weekends and public holidays. Booking and service information is available at mywaybymetro.co.nz. The Timaru Link and a revised Temuka timetable are available at metroinfo.co.nz/timaru.
Physical distancing onboard
The physical distancing requirement will mean that, depending on the vehicle, a smaller number of passengers than usual can be carried. The Timaru Link buses can generally carry around 8 people, depending on the vehicle, and the MyWay vehicles can carry 3 or 4.
Although fewer people should be travelling on public transport, the possibility of capacity constraints mean that you will need to allow plenty of time to reach your destination, particularly if travelling on the Timaru Link.
If the vehicle has reached its allowed capacity, these physical distancing requirements mean it will not be able to pick up additional passengers. We will do our best to limit the impact of this.
We really appreciate everyone’s patience and kindness as we work within the limitations in place to keep everyone safe.
Public transport can be used for those that need to travel but we do need everyone to be aware there will be limited capacity, and please try and avoid peak times unless you are a worker or are travelling to an educational facility.
Keeping drivers and passengers safe
This is a top priority for both Environment Canterbury and bus operators.
To maintain physical distancing between passengers and drivers, fares will not be required during the Level 3 period and the Timaru Link and Temuka buses will be boarded from the rear doors.
Ritchies will continue the regular deep cleaning of all vehicles. The vehicles have a full interior clean daily, with touch points cleaned after each journey, and a full weekly groom.
If you are using the Timaru Link and Temuka service, we ask that you record your travel on the Contact Tracing app at ecan.govt.nz/trace.
School services
The Metro school service will resume where there is a need for it. We are working with schools at the moment to get an understanding of how many children will be returning to school next Wednesday, and whether they will require the Metro school bus service.
Booking MyWay by Metro:
You can book your shared ride in the MyWay vehicle:
Call 688 5544, or download the MyWay by Metro app for easy bookings
Find out more on the website.
Be kind, keep safe.
The team at Metro
