Protective shields can now be seen on Lethbridge Transit buses, in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 (City of Lethbridge)

By Justin Goulet

Protective shields installed on Lethbridge Transit buses

May 27, 2020 | 11:47 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Transit drivers and passengers have an extra layer of protection against COVID-19.

Lethbridge Transit staff have constructed new shields to create separation between drivers and users amid the on-going pandemic.

“We were originally looking at shields that would help protect our operators from assault. That was going to be a huge potential capital investment, and we would require a grant for that,” said Mario Galeana, Lethbridge Transit’s Maintenance Manager.

He noted that those original shields were estimated to cost about $5,000 each and would take several months to construct and install.

Due to the added uncertainty of COVID-19, the focus was moved to preventing the spread of the virus, so the more robust $5,000 shields were put on hold.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

Fortunately, Lethbridge Transit found a quicker, more affordable solution and way to protect drivers and passengers more immediately.

“We decided to design and fabricate something in-house,” Galeana said.

“We went through several versions until we got it just right.”

Galeana said the shields they have built are not necessarily as durable as the $5,000 models but they do add a layer of protection to reduce contact between bus operators and users.

The in-house shields cost about $100 each, and are made with lexan, steel tubing and magnets.

“They will not protect the drivers from assault – maybe they’ll offer some protection [but] they’re not designed for that, [so] we will use something a bit more robust when the time comes,” Galeana said.

“We don’t know [how long] we need to offer layers of protection [against] COVID-19. We just know that we need them now, so maybe in the future, if that’s [COVID] not a problem…and the financials allow it, maybe we can upgrade towards the shields that are intended for protection from assault.”

He said the in-house shields have been installed in 28 buses as of Wednesday morning. Lethbridge Transit currently has 48 buses in its fleet.

Galeana added that the initial feedback on the shields was not entirely positive, but tweaks have been made since they were installed a couple of weeks ago.

“We worked with the drivers and the union…we have redefined and redesigned [them], and now with this latest version, we have received very positive feedback,” he said.

“I’m pretty sure that when everybody is using them [the buses] every day and we go back to conventional transit fixed routes, we will receive a little bit more feedback, but that will be more [on] fine tuning and it shouldn’t be a problem.”

He added that coming up with the design and construction of the shields was a true team effort.

“It wasn’t just one body shop guy or one mechanic, or one coordinator. Everyone that is involved with the transit buses was involved and we’re very happy that we came up with a solution that we all feel comfortable with.”

Galeana said it should take about two more weeks to finish installing the shields on the rest of the fleet.

Back in April, the City of Lethbridge suspended regular transit routes because of COVID-19, moving to a ride by reservation service. The reservation system will remain in effect for the time being.