Rochester transit service, airport drop mask requirements

Rochester Public Transit will no longer require riders to wear masks on city buses in the wake of a recent ruling by a federal judge in Florida.

The ruling, issued Monday, struck down a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention order mandating the use of masks on buses, airplanes, and other forms of public transportation. The judge’s order came less than a week after the CDC had extended the mandate through May 3.

“Without these federal orders in effect, RPT will now follow the official City of Rochester policy which does not require the wearing of masks in city owned facilities, including transit vehicles,” RPT said in a statement.

RPT still welcomes the use of masks on board buses for anyone who wishes to wear them and encourages unvaccinated and immunocompromised individuals to consider wearing face coverings, the announcement said.

Rochester International Airport also announced Tuesday it would no longer be enforcing mask-related regulations and would be withdrawing security directives that require face masks.

“The CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks indoor public transportation settings,” the airport wrote. “We encourage you to do what makes you feel most comfortable and appreciate your continued support.”

Cover photo: File / Courtesy RPT