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FTA News: Federal Mask Requirement for Transit

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced a federal mask requirement for transit systems to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 based on President Joseph R. Biden’s Executive Order 13998, issued January 21, 2021.

Science-based measures are critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19. Mask-wearing is one of several proven life-saving measures, including physical distancing, appropriate ventilation, vaccination and timely testing, that can reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Requiring masks will protect America’s transit workers and passengers and help control the transmission of COVID-19.

Master Agreement Amendment

FTA issued an amendment to its Master Agreement to incorporate the requirements of the CDC mask order. FTA’s Master Agreement contains the standard terms and conditions that apply to every grant, cooperative agreement, and loan authorized by federal public transportation law or administered by FTA. The amendment includes enforcement actions FTA may take for non-compliance.

Federal Mask Requirement Stakeholder Calls

FTA is holding a series of stakeholder calls throughout February to provide guidance to the transit industry to ensure that all public-facing transit workers and passengers wear masks to reduce the risk of spreading the virus and help us work together to protect the health and safety of transit workers and passengers by promoting our “Transit Mask Up” message.

Upcoming Calls

Past Calls

  • Federal Mask Requirement Transit Leadership Roundtable (February 16, 2021)
  • Recording

Frequently Asked Questions

See the USDOT FAQs

For More Information

For more information regarding the requirements of the CDC Order and funding available for transit agencies to implement them, see the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Frequently Asked Questions.