The border may be reopening to an extent, but Transit Windsor is keeping the brakes on its popular tunnel bus to the Motor City.
Despite the bus service resuming full-schedule operations in the city last month, Transit Windsor has stated that there are too many obstacles in the way of resuming tunnel bus service to Detroit right now.
"The current travel requirement for Canada-bound passengers to have secured a negative molecular COVID-19 test adds processing complexity to the customs clearance process associated with tunnel bus operations that will make restarting operations a challenge," read a release from Transit Windsor. "The current rules effectively prohibit day-trip passengers, and current public health regulations limit the number of passengers on board, reducing the operational viability of the tunnel bus at this time. Should the federal government revisit the current COVID-19 testing requirements for Canadians returning across the land border, then Transit Windsor will review this decision."
Though ridership figures are slowly rebounding, Transit Windsor is abiding by the guidance of the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit by keeping buses at half capacity to encourage social distancing and reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
The U.S. government has decided to reopen its border to fully vaccinated Canadians on November 8, though it is not clear what testing requirements are in place for people who are just heading into the States for shopping, dining, or sporting events.
Until the service was suspended in March 2020, the tunnel bus was a popular way for people to connect to transportation in Detroit or conduct business in the downtown area. The special shuttle buses to events at Little Caesars Arena, Ford Field, and Comerica Park were often standing-room-only.
Transit Windsor employees are required to either be fully vaccinated or provide a valid medical or human rights exemption by November 15. Those who do not comply will face an unpaid leave of absence.
For complete information and current Transit Windsor scheduling, visit its page on the City's official website.