Los Angeles and other area transportation agencies will no longer be requiring face coverings on public transit after a federal judge voided the national mask mandate this week.
After a judge in Florida on Monday struck down the mandate, the Transportation Security Administration said it is no longer enforcing the federal government’s mask mandate for travel.
LAX also announced it will no longer be enforcing the use of masks, and neither will several major airlines.
Uber also announced masks are no longer required for Uber riders and drivers.
So what about local buses and trains? Here’s where masks are and are not required as of Tuesday morning:
L.A. Metro
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority indicated Tuesday that masks will no longer be required on Metro buses and rail lines, but they will be strongly recommended.
The agency had tweeted Monday night that masks were still required, but changed course the following afternoon.
“Metro will now make wearing face masks on public transit optional and will continue to recommend riders wear masks while onboard transit vehicles to help protect their health and those of fellow riders whenever possible,” officials said in a news release Tuesday. “Metro’s decision to make face masks optional while continuing to encourage their use is consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which still recommends that people continue to wear masks in indoor public transportation settings.”
LADOT, DASH buses
The Los Angeles Department of Transportation will no longer require riders to mask up after the agency received guidance from the Federal Transit Administration, a spokesperson told KTLA.
“As the CDC continues to recommend masking in certain indoor settings, LADOT will continue to provide masks on our transit vehicles for those who wish to use them,” the spokesperson said.
Amtrak
Amtrak has stopped requiring masks on its trains.
“While Amtrak passengers and employees are no longer required to wear masks while on board trains or in stations, masks are welcome and remain an important preventive measure against COVID-19,” Amtrak officials told KTLA. “Anyone needing or choosing to wear one is encouraged to do so.”
Metrolink
Masks are also no longer required aboard Metrolink trains and Metrolink stations, the rail system announced on Twitter.
“TSA officials have rescinded the mask requirement on public transportation and at transportation hubs. As a result, masks are no longer required aboard Metrolink trains and at Metrolink stations,” reads a tweet from Metrolink.
Orange County Buses
The Orange County Transportation Authority announced Tuesday morning that, effective immediately, masks are no longer required on the O.C. Bus.
“Based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention masks are still recommended to be worn while riding public transit to help slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), but they are not required,” OCTA said in a statement.
Ventura County Transportation Commission
Riders no longer have to mask up on VCTC Intercity and Valley Express buses in Ventura County.
“Following the federal court decision out of Florida, masks are no longer required aboard VCTC Intercity and Valley Express buses,” the agency says on its website. “The CDC continues to recommend that people continue to wear masks in indoor public transportation settings. Drivers will provide masks for passengers who request one.”
