Masks no longer required on many Central Coast public buses
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. -- Masks are no longer needed to ride some Central Coast buses after a federal judge in Florida on Monday struck down a national mask mandate for public transportation across the U.S.
The San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority (RTA), which provides bus service throughout all of San Luis Obispo County and extends into northern Santa Barbara County, announced Tuesday morning masking is now optional for both riders and employees.
"We met as a staff this morning and at 9 o'clock we issued the rule," said Geoff Straw, RTA Executive Director. "Our website does provide some information. You hit the rider alert button on our website, it gives a little more context."
With the new rule going into effect Tuesday, bus riders said personnel choice and safety were both on their mind.
"I think it's a good thing to start to lift these mask mandates, if of course, there's a high percentage of people that are vaccinated and boosted," said Myra Waddle of San Luis Obispo. "It's still people's choice and I hope everyone is safe. I would like people to be able get back to want they want to do, the only thing is I just want us all to be safe in doing that. I think that's what is important."
Santa Maria Regional Transit (SMRT) is also dropping the mask mandate effective immediately, as is the Breeze Bus, which runs in Lompoc and is operated by SMRT.
"It means individuals will be able to make their own decisions on whether or not they want to wear a mask," said Brett Fulgoni, Santa Maria Interim Public Works Director. "If they want to wear a mask, they're more than welcome to, but if they don't want to wear a mask, then that will be their decision."
Also on Tuesday, Santa Barbara MTD, which serves southern Santa Barbara County, also lifted its masking requirement, but added they are still highly recommended.
In San Luis Obispo, SLO Transit Interim Transit Manager Austin O'Dell said the city consulted with the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department on Tuesday before making a decision on masking.
O'Dell said after meeting with Public Health, SLO Transit will follow other agencies and will also make masking optional.
Even as the masking policies are being lifted, most, if not all transit agencies, are still recommending the use of a face covering while riding public transportation.
"If you feel uncomfortable, or you wish to wear a mask, please wear them," said Straw. "We're equipping all of our drivers with masks as well, so if a passenger gets on the bus, and starts to feel uncomfortable about being around people without masks, he or she will issue a mask to you at no charge."
While the Florida judge ruled against the mask mandate, some public transportation agencies nationwide are still requiring masks on buses, including in Los Angeles and New York City.
