VTA Makes Masks Optional, Joining Other Bay Area Transit Agencies

SAN JOSE, CA — The Valley Transportation Authority announced Wednesday that masks are “strongly recommended,” rather than required, aboard all its transportation vehicles.

The decision comes after a federal judge voided mask mandates on mass transit and airlines Monday, leaving individual agencies the choice to decide whether or not to lift their mandates.

“In light of recent decisions by the federal government to lift mask requirements on public transit, VTA is strongly recommending, but not requiring passengers and employees to wear masks aboard VTA buses, light rail, and paratransit vehicles, and at all VTA facilities,” VTA said in a statement Wednesday. The VTA also noted that public health experts still recommend wearing face masks in a variety of settings, including mass transit. It also said that it is in the process of removing on-board signage requiring masks.

On Wednesday, California Department of Public Health Director Dr. Tomas Aragon that the state had modified its masking guidance to align with those of federal officials.

"Going forward, California will strongly recommend masks on all public transportation and in transit hubs, including bus and train stations, ferry terminals and airports," Aragon said. "These crowded settings should be considered high risk and may often not have adequate ventilation, an additional layer of protection against the virus."

Still, transit agencies and airports have the option to continue mask mandates, though most have not. As of Thursday morning, the following airports and agencies have made masks optional:

• VTA
• BART
• Caltrain
• Amtrak
• SFMTA
• AC Transit
• Golden Gate Transit
• San Francisco International Airport
• San Jose Mineta International Airport

The following have not yet listed updates to their policies:

• ACE
• SMART
• WestCAT