TransLink has no plans to take special steps to protect transit passengers from the H1N1 virus, such as installing alcohol-based hand sanitizers in buses or SkyTrain stations.

"The health authorities say there is no value to putting out hand dispensers," TransLink spokesman Ken Hardie said.

A recent Ipsos Reid poll found at least 20 per cent of B.C. residents are taking transit less often out of fear of H1N1 infection.

Hardie spoke after the federal government asked that a series of measures be adopted aboard planes, trains, ferries and inter-city buses, including provision of hand-washing facilities and regular cleaning of common surfaces.

Passengers or crew members who become ill from H1N1 on long inter-city trips are to be separated from others where possible and wear a mask.

Ottawa's recommended guidelines also urge travel and transportation firms to allow easy rescheduling of trips without penalty for those who get sick.

"If you are sick you should postpone your travel plans until you feel well enough to participate fully in all regular activities," said Dr. David Butler-Jones, Canada's chief public health officer.

Inter-city travel is a different issue from short-duration public transit, Hardie said.

He said any TransLink policy changes will be guided by public health officials.

Coast Mountain Bus Co. doesn't expect to eject ill passengers from buses – as happened recently in Victoria after other passengers objected to a woman's coughing fit.

"That's not the sort of thing we would do," Hardie said, adding a driver might call 911 or call in a transit supervisor to assist someone who seems seriously ill.