Face coverings no longer required on transit and in transit facilities in Puget Sound region

The policy change is related to a federal judge’s decision to strike down mask mandates on airplanes.

By Cameron Sheppard • April 19, 2022 11:30 am
Blue surgical masks overhead view (Adobe stock image)
Blue surgical masks overhead view (Adobe stock image)

In accordance with the April 18 statement from the federal Transportation Security Administration, agencies providing transit to riders throughout the Puget Sound region announced that face coverings will no longer be required on transit, at transit facilities or in transit hubs effective immediately.

A U.S. federal judge struck down the federal mask mandate for airplanes and other modes of public transportation on April 18.

Agencies in the region that will implement this policy change include Sound Transit, Community Transit, King County Metro, Seattle Department of Transportation, Seattle Center Monorail, Pierce Transit, Kitsap Transit and Everett Transit.

TSA’s initial face mask requirement went into effect on February 1, 2021. Previous to the TSA requirement, Washington state and local health authorities had issued mandates for face coverings in public spaces.

While masks are no longer required on transit, the agencies say riders are welcome to continue wearing face coverings if they wish.

The transportation agencies also say it will take time to update all of the announcements, signs, and other communications related to the federal mask mandate.