Masks Required on Seattle-Area Buses and Trains, Not Ferries

SEATTLE (AP) — Masks will continue to be required on buses and trains in the Seattle area, despite a ruling from a federal judge in Florida striking down the mandate on airlines and public transportation.

Washington State Ferries, however, announced late Monday that masks are no longer required on vessels or inside terminals, the Seattle Times reported.

King County Metro, Sound Transit and Kitsap Transit on Monday said their requirements would not change, as the judge’s ruling could be appealed and directives changed again.

Maintaining precautions

Sound Transit spokesperson John Gallagher said, “Sound Transit will maintain its decals and other mask-related signage until we have received further updates from the federal government.”

Kitsap Transit, which runs three passenger ferries into downtown Seattle, continues to require face masks, said spokesperson Sanjay Bhatt.

TSA said Monday it would no longer enforce the requirement on public transportation and at transportation hubs. While most local transportation options took a wait-and-see attitude to the ruling, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and airlines moved more swiftly.

Airport spokesperson Perry Cooper said travelers are no longer required to mask up at the airport, though some airlines may be requiring masks on planes. Alaska Air announced Monday it was dropping its mandate, effective immediately, as did Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.

Portland update

TrMet announced Tuesday, that masks are now optional on buses and trains due to yesterday's federal court decision and the new TSA directive. With the CDC still recommending that masks be used on transit, TriMet does welcome their continued use and asks that everyone be respectful of others. For the time being, they will continue to make masks available on board for those who want them.