Masks Remain Required While Riding GCRTA

Despite the statewide mask mandate being lifted on June 2nd, GCRTA still requires all passengers aboard buses, trains, or at stations to wear a mask.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) along with the U.S. Department of Transportation are requiring masks to be worn on all forms of public transportation, in addition to hubs such as airports and stations.

GCRTA receives state and federal funding to provide public transportation for Cuyahoga County, and is required to follow and enforce orders from federal agencies. This means that GCRTA must adhere to the CDC’s order effective since February 2, 2021 requiring all passengers to continue to wear masks aboard public transit. The current federal mask mandate is in effect until September 13, 2021.

The CDC’s guidance requires the following mask attributes:

• A properly worn mask completely covers the nose and mouth.
• Cloth masks should be made with two or more layers of a breathable fabric that is tightly woven (i.e., fabrics that do not let light pass through when held up to a light source).
• Mask should be secured to the head with ties, ear loops, or elastic bands that go behind the head. If gaiters are worn, they should have two layers of fabric or be folded to make two layers.
• Mask should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face.
• Mask should be a solid piece of material without slits, exhalation valves, or punctures.

The following attributes do NOT comply with the CDC’s guidance:

• Masks worn in a way that does not cover both the mouth and nose
• Face shields or goggles (face shields or goggles may be worn to supplement a mask that meets above required attributes)
• Scarves, ski masks, balaclavas, or bandannas
• Shirt or sweater collars (e.g., turtleneck collars) pulled up over the mouth and nose.
• Masks made from loosely woven fabric or that are knitted, i.e., fabrics that let light pass through
• Masks made from materials that are hard to breathe through (such as vinyl, plastic or leather)
• Masks containing slits, exhalation valves, or punctures
• Masks that do not fit properly (large gaps, too loose or too tight)

Please continue to wear a mask while on board GCRTA vehicles and inside stations. For more information, visit www.riderta.com/coronavirus.