“Face coverings will be required on Metro trains, buses, and in stations”

Photo by Olaf Zerbock

From WMATA:

“Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld today accepted a recommendation of the transit authority’s Pandemic Task Force that face coverings or masks be required when traveling on Metro effective Monday, May 18. The move strengthens Metro’s position on the matter, which has “strongly recommended” the use of face coverings since early April, in accordance with CDC guidance. While the overwhelming majority of riders already comply voluntarily, the requirement is viewed as a necessary step as Metro plans for an eventual recovery with more riders using the system.

“Every person who wears a face covering on Metro is helping to keep others safe, and this is especially important for Metro’s frontline employees. In the age of Covid-19, we all share a responsibility for frontline worker safety, and that’s what this is all about,” Wiedefeld said.”

As a reminder, Metro is open for “essential travel only,” and the public is encouraged to stay at home whenever possible, in accordance with current executive orders and guidance in effect throughout the region. For essential travelers, the Metrorail system is open from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. on weekdays, and 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Bus service on selected routes is provided daily until 11 p.m.”

From Union Station:

“At Union Station until further notice, public access is 5am to 9pm, many retailers/eateries are closed, public transit is operating at reduced service, public events are canceled, social distancing is required, & wearing masks is recommended.”

From Amtrak previously: “As we continuously work to keep our customers and employees as safe as possible, beginning May 11 we are requiring all customers in stations and on trains and thruway buses to wear a facial covering.”