On the first day of a new face covering requirement on several public transit systems, BART riders seemed to be adjusting to the change.
“Everyone I’ve seen on BART has been wearing their mask… I’m a healthcare worker so automatically I have to wear it,” said Teresa Allen, who was wearing a mask on her way to work at the Mills Peninsula Hospital.
Face coverings are now required on BART, San Francisco’s Muni, Caltrain, SMART and SamTrans for those aged 13 and up. BART officials say people with bare faces are not allowed on the system or any BART property at all. BART police are expected to enforce the order and may cite violators, although police are focused on educating riders first.
“Yes, I believe in taking care of yourself,” said one rider about why he plans to comply with the new orders. “And not just you, but other people around you.”
Officials stress that wearing a mask is not a replacement for washing your hands and social distancing. Riders should only use public transit for essential business and remain six feet apart at all times.