RIPTA: Masks Optional, Mandate Debated

PROVIDENCE — Masks remain an effective protection against spread of COVID-19, and while RIPTA encourages you to use one on their buses if you want, and experts advise using them to prevent the disease, a federal court judge has overturned the order requiring them.

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is advising passengers that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is no longer enforcing a federal mandate requiring face masks to be worn when using public transportation.  The mandate, which had been in place since Feb. 1, 2021, was vacated by a federal judge in Florida yesterday. RIPTA drivers and passengers are no longer required to wear a mask on board starting today, April 19, 2022,” RIPTA said in a statement Tuesday.

On Wednesday, the New York Times reported the Biden Administration will appeal the decision after hearing from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention that masks are necessary on public transportation to prevent spread of COVID-19.

“RIPTA encourages those who want to continue to wear a mask when on board to continue to do so,” said Scott Avedisian, RIPTA’s Chief Executive Officer.