Masks Still Required On Public Transportation In Hudson Valley

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Talk about confusing. A federal judge in Florida struck down the requirement for masks on public transportation Monday, including airplanes, trains and buses.

The ruling by Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle came not even a week after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention extended the mandate through May 3.

Mizelle, who was appointed to the bench by President Donald Trump, said in her ruling that the CDC exceeded its legal authority and the mandate was arbitrary and capricious, Rolling Stone reported.

However, if you are in the Hudson Valley and traveling on Metro-North, you will still be required to mask up.

MTA spokesman Tim Minton said on Twitter that "Masks continue to be required on NY public transit for now pursuant to NYS Heath Dept determination."

That determination was issued March 2 by state Health Commissioner Mary Bassett.

Gov. Kathy Hochul also said masks will still be required on trains, buses and subways.

"Do your part to keep your neighbors safe," she said on Twitter. "Get vaccinated, get tested, stay home if you feel sick, and wear a mask in settings where required, like on public transit and in health care facilities."

Masks will continue to be required on Bee-Line buses in Westchester County, as well as on other local bus systems.

And don't think you can pull off your mask as soon as the New Haven Line train you're on passes into Connecticut.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is also keeping the mask mandate in place for buses and rail.

A spokesman for the department said it is waiting for further clarification from the federal government and to see if the court ruling will be appealed, Connecticut Public Radio reported.