Face mask mandate for transit goes into effect late Feb. 1
Users of surface transportation modes within the United States will be required to properly wear face masks starting at 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published an order late Friday night outlining the mask requirements for people inside transportation hubs, as well as on public conveyances, such as airplanes, ferries, trains, buses, taxis and ride-shares. The order applies to both passengers and employees.
“America’s transportation systems are essential,” said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky, MPH. “Given how interconnected most transportation systems are across our nation and the world, when infected persons travel on public conveyances without wearing a mask and with others who are not wearing masks, the risk of interstate and international transmission can grow quickly.”
CDC issued guidance last year that strongly encouraged the wearing of masks on surface transportation modes. The U.S. Department of Transportation denied a petition by the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO in October that requested masks be required on all forms of commercial public transportation through an emergency order.
Many transit agencies across the U.S. have had rules in place requiring the use of masks. Additionally, agencies have handed out free masks, installed mask dispensers in buses, implemented communications with riders about the requirement to wear masks and joined the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Health and Safety Commitments Program that communicates best practices to reduce the risk of spreading the virus for both agencies and their riders.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York reports a survey conducted by observers found mask usage was at 97 percent among subway riders and 99 percent among bus riders. In the Philadelphia area, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority says average daily mask use rate is about 90 percent among bus, train and trolley riders. San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, which tracks mask usage weekly, reports 95 percent of observed passengers work masks properly.
APTA President and and CEO Paul Skoutelas explains, while there has been no direct correlation found between the use of public transit and the transmission of the virus, he called the wearing of masks a "lifesaving measure" supported by the association.
"From the start of the pandemic, public transportation systems have worked tirelessly to keep riders safe from infection from the coronavirus. The health and safety of transit passengers is the most important priority for public transportation agencies," said Skoutelas. "Mask-wearing is one of several proven, science-based measures that can reduce the spread and transmission of COVID-19. Wearing facemasks on public transit is a lifesaving measure that the industry wholeheartedly supports, and this guidance reflects the shared responsibility of transit systems and riders to take appropriate actions to get through this pandemic."
Shortly after taking office, President Joe Biden signed an executive order requiring mask usage on travel modes. The CDC order is in support of this action and will remain in effect until the Secretary of Health and Human Services rescinds the public health emergency.
As far as enforcement of the order is concerned, CDC notes it reserves the right to enforce the order through criminal penalties, but does not intend to use these penalties as a primary means of enforcement. Instead, CDC will promote voluntary compliance.
“CDC recommends that non-essential travel be avoided; however, for those who must travel, additional measures are being put in place to help prevent the spread of the virus,” said Dr. Walensky. “Masks are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely and consistently used by all people in public settings.”
In support of the CDC order and implement President Biden's Executive Order, the Transit Security Administration (TSA) issued a Security Directive on Jan. 31 outlining the requirement to properly wear a face mask while using air or surface passenger transportation.
Starting on February 2, 2021, TSA will require individuals to wear a mask at TSA airport screening checkpoints and throughout the commercial and public transportation systems. This requirement will remain effective until May 11, 2021.
“TSA will fully comply with the president’s Executive Orders, CDC guidance and the DHS National Emergency determination to ensure healthy and secure travel across all transportation sectors. This will help prevent further spread of COVID-19 and encourage a unified government response,” said Darby LaJoye, senior official performing the duties of the TSA Administrator. “As we continue to experience impacts from this pandemic, we are committed to this measure as the right thing to do for the TSA workforce, for our industry stakeholders and for passengers.”
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The full CDC order can be viewed here.
TSA's Security Directive can be viewed here.
The American Public Transportation Association has compiled a mask mandate summary that can be viewed here.
Story updated 02/01/2021 2:30 pm to incorporate APTA statement.
Important points from the CDC Mask Order
The following are attributes of masks needed to fulfill the requirements of the order. CDC will update this guidance as needed.
- A properly worn mask completely covers the nose and mouth.
- Cloth masks should be made with two or more layers of a breathable fabric that is tightly woven (i.e., fabrics that do not let light pass through when held up to a light source).
- Masks should be secured to the head with ties, ear loops, or elastic bands that go behind the head. If gaiters are worn, they should have two layers of fabric or be folded to make two layers.
- Masks should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face.
- Masks should be a solid piece of material without slits, exhalation valves or punctures.
- The following attributes are additionally acceptable as long as masks meet the requirements above.
- Masks can be either manufactured or homemade.
- Masks can be reusable or disposable.
- Masks can have inner filter pockets.
- Clear masks or cloth masks with a clear plastic panel may be used to facilitate communication with people who are hearing impaired or others who need to see a speaker’s mouth to understand speech.
- Medical masks and N-95 respirators fulfill the requirements of the order.
The following do not fulfill the requirements of the order.
- Masks worn in a way that does not cover both the mouth and nose.
- Face shields or goggles (face shields or goggles may be worn to supplement a mask that meets above required attributes).
- Scarves, ski masks, balaclavas or bandannas.
- Shirt or sweater collars (e.g., turtleneck collars) pulled up over the mouth and nose.
- Masks made from loosely woven fabric or that are knitted, i.e., fabrics that let light pass through.
- Masks made from materials that are hard to breathe through (such as vinyl, plastic or leather).
- Masks containing slits, exhalation valves or punctures.
- Masks that do not fit properly (large gaps, too loose or too tight).
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
