Bus routes are experiencing significant disruption this morning. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
UPDATED 2PM: Transport Canberra has warned that major disruptions are affecting the ACT’s bus network as 73 drivers go into isolation.
“This morning Transport Canberra were unable to deliver 47 regular route services”, a statement said. School services and regular services that carry school students are being prioritised.
“We are grateful that to assist with filling shifts, a number of drivers who had planned leave have cancelled this to help out. We are also using our casual driver pool.
“Many of these drivers have been affected due to having children at affected schools”.
Transport Canberra said every effort would be made to ensure there is no impact on students who still need to attend school due to particular circumstances.
“Public transport options to support both our essential workforce and children of essential workers are currently being reviewed”, the statement said.
Children of emergency workers and children in vulnerable situations can still go to school and access transport, although all COVID-safe precautions apply. Passengers must use the Check In CBR app and wear a mask when boarding public transport.
Special Needs Transport and Flexible Bus Service are not currently impacted by the disruptions.
However, it’s expected that more bus services will be affected in the coming days as the health situation in the ACT continues to develop.
“As more exposure sites are added, we have been losing more drivers,” Transport Canberra’s Facebook page said.
Bus routes identified as close contact exposure sites now include routes 9 and 25 between Watson, the Dickson interchange, Moncrieff, and Gungahlin between Tuesday and Thursday last week. Contact tracing is now underway using MyWay and Check in CBR data to identify passengers
There are also now several light rail close contact exposures. You can find the full list of times and dates here. Anyone who regularly travels on public transport has been asked to check times and routes that have been designated close contacts.
You can check progress on NXTBUS for real-time service information or call 13 17 10. Transport Canberra says they’ll also keep passengers updated via their website and social media.
Any future changes will be communicated to the community, schools and families as far in advance as possible in a rapidly-changing situation, according to Transport Canberra.
“We appreciate your understanding during this time and thank you for your patience”, the statement said.
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