Published Tuesday, July 21, 2020 8:54AM EDT
Last Updated Tuesday, July 21, 2020 8:57AM EDT
Last week, Metrolinx announced that it would be joining many transit agencies around the province by making masks mandatory on all vehicles, including GO trains, buses and UP Express trains.
Since the announcement, Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster said compliance is now at about 90 per cent.
Verster said staff are focusing on education rather than enforcement.
"When you talk and you haven't got a face covering on, you can shed the virus up to a metre. With a mask on, it is inches," he said.
"We've taken many of our employees out from behind the wickets and they are helping customers and on trains as well, we will be helping customers."
Metrolinx has also recently started installing clear plastic dividers in between seats on some buses and trains.
Many other transit agencies have implemented mandatory masks policies in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, including the TTC, which required all customers to wear masks starting on July 1.
Earlier this month, the province mandated face coverings in all indoor public spaces.