Transit no-smoking policy hazy for riders?
Posted Apr 9, 2016 11:00 am.
Last Updated Apr 9, 2016 11:13 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Non-smokers who take transit likely know it well – having to walk through a cloud of smoke to get to the bus or C-Train.
In some cases, the smokers behind the cloud may not realize what they’re doing is illegal.
While there are signs on the glass in the shelters, the trouble might be that there are not enough signs anywhere else, on platforms and bus loop passenger waiting areas.
The Superintendent of Public Safety for Calgary Transit, Brian Whitelaw, tells 660 NEWS they are in the midst of examining whether there is enough signage around transit locations to ensure the message is getting out.
“Certainly education is a big part of that campaign (anti-smoking strategy). Some enforcement is necessary but we’re also taking a look to make sure that our signage is clear and it’s adequate to our customers so they know an activity is illegal and they can comply with it,” says Whitelaw.
He says the bylaw prohibits smoking on CTrain platforms and bus loop waiting areas.
“It’s illegal on a transit vehicle, at a passenger shelter, at a transit station and at a transit platform. The requirement is that there’s no smoking actually within one metre of each of those. The fine under the Calgary Transit bylaw is $250 for smoking on any of those locations,” says Whitelaw.
He says they do try first hand out a warning before nailing smokers with a fine.
