TransLink has projected a shortfall of $570 million to $680 million this year because of a massive drop in ridership.

Phase 2 to reopen B.C.'s economy began on Tuesday but ridership across the Lower Mainland has been down significantly with more people working from home.

Unlike on buses, some SkyTrain seats aren't blocked off to encourage physical distancing because there's no way to enforce it.

The man was accused of attacking a woman who stepped in to intervene after he made racist comments to Asian women wearing masks.

With the B.C. economy expected to gradually start to re-open on May 19, TransLink has suspended planned service reductions and the 1,500 layoff notices expected as part of the cutting of routes.

TransLink says it is losing about $75 million per month, but the union representing a majority of transit workers says cuts make no sense as B.C. attempts to reopen its economy.

TransLink hopes by resuming fare collection on buses it will collect approximately $2 million per month. 

TransLink said Monday that 1,492 employees were temporarily let go, citing financial losses of $75 million a month amid the COVID-19 crisis.

In a virtual meeting Thursday morning, the Mayor's Council heard that TransLink is projecting a 570 to 680 million dollar shortfall this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senior executive salaries and board remuneration will be cut by 10 per cent and costs and program expenditures will also be reduced.