Transit Windsor’s tunnel bus is expected to return before the end of the year

Transit Windsor says it will resume tunnel bus service to Detroit as soon as possible now that the federal government is lifting the ArriveCan requirement at the border, with the aim of restoring service before the end of the year.

Tyson Cragg, executive director of Transit Windsor, said the target was late November, but that depends on how quickly staff can be trained.

In a statement to CBC News, Cragg said Transit Windsor has more than 200 drivers and they need to train or retrain them given that service has been suspended for more than 30 months.

It could take eight to 10 weeks, he said. In addition, Transit Windsor must make arrangements with authorities on both sides of the border to ensure the necessary resources are available to process buses full of people crossing the border.

“We do not want to rush the resumption of the [tunnel bus]and need time to ensure all drivers know the route, and that all parties are on the same page to operate this unique service in North America,” said Cragg.

Transit Windsor is also considering lifting the mask mandate on buses, which Cragg says could happen as soon as Saturday, when the federal COVID-19 rules for travel will be lifted.

The federal government announced on Monday that it is dropping all COVID-19 border measures as of October 1, meaning travelers will no longer need to provide proof of vaccinations when entering Canada or carry masks on planes and trains.

All travellers, whatever their nationality, will no longer have to:

• Submit public health information through the ArriveCan app or website.
• Provide proof of vaccination.
• Undergo testing before or upon arrival.
• Perform quarantine or isolation related to COVID-19.
• Monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arrival in Canada.
• Pass health checks for air and train travel.
• Or wear masks on planes and trains.