Metrolinx has learned from public health officials that a customer on board a Route 40 GO bus on October 17 travelling from Pearson Airport to Hamilton GO Station has now tested positive for COVID-19. We all wish them a speedy recovery.

The customer boarded the double decker bus (Bus #8456 and Trip #40831) at approximately 10:50 pm at Pearson on October 17, sat upstairs and was wearing a face covering during their journey.

Our driver, who was also masked and sitting behind a protective shield, has been informed and is now self-monitoring for symptoms of the virus. Bus drivers all go through health screening before they begin their shift. Our vehicles also receive thorough cleaning during the day and deep cleaning and disinfection each night.

This particular trip had a total of 16 customers on board between Pearson and Hamilton GO and Metrolinx is working to reach those who used registered PRESTO cards. However, not all customers use PRESTO to travel and not all register their cards so we are reaching out through Metrolinx News and social media more broadly to customers out of an abundance of caution. If any customers are concerned about potential exposure they should contact their health care provider, their local public health or Telehealth Ontario.

As a reminder, it is mandatory for all Metrolinx employees and customers to wear face coverings while on transit or in stations to protect those around them.   This along with over 40 other safety actions has helped prevent outbreaks on our system and in work locations. See more about all the safety actions Metrolinx has implemented to help stop the spread.

All staff and customers are asked to remember the basics from public health:

• Stay home and off transit if you are ill
• Wear your face covering and ensure you keep both your nose and mouth covered (we’ve got great new, popular branded masks)
• Wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitizer found on buses, trains and in stations when you can’t
• Download the COVID Alert App which has already helped some of our staff receive early notifications of exposures and potentially limit the spread. The app has been pushed out to all Metrolinx phones.