(Portland, ME) -- Effective April 20, 2022, the following southern Maine transit agencies will no longer require employees and passengers to wear masks on board buses, ferries, trains or at bus stops and ferry terminals.
Amtrak Downeaster
Biddeford-Saco-Old Orchard Beach Transit
Casco Bay Lines
City of South Portland Bus Service
Greater Portland METRO
Regional Transportation Program
Masks are welcome on all buses, ferries and trains and remain an important preventive measure against COVID-19. Anyone needing or choosing to wear one is encouraged to do so. Passengers are advised that agencies may reinstate mask requirements at any time in the future should local, state or federal jurisdictions compel them to do so or if such a policy is deemed, by the agency, to best protect the health and well-being of its employees and passengers.
This policy change stems from a federal court order as well as changes in policy by United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
From the CDC website: “As a result of a court order, effective immediately and as of April 18, 2022, CDC’s January 29, 2021 Order requiring masks on public transportation conveyances and at transportation hubs is no longer in effect. Therefore, CDC will not enforce the Order. CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings at this time.”
From the TSA website: “Due to today’s court ruling, effective immediately, TSA will no longer enforce its Security Directives and Emergency Amendment requiring mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs. TSA will also rescind the new Security Directives that were scheduled to take effect tomorrow. CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings at this time.”
Contact information:
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