Where Bay Area transit mask mandates stand after Florida judge's ruling

In the aftermath of a federal judge in Florida striking down the Biden administration's mask mandate for planes and public transportation on Monday, a number of Bay Area transit agencies have needed to clarify their own policies.

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In a statement provided to KCBS Radio on Wednesday afternoon, California Department of Public Health Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Tomás Aragón clarified the state's masking policy for public transit: "Going forward, California will strongly recommend masks on all public transportation and in transit hubs, including bus and train stations, ferry terminals and airports. These crowded settings should be considered high risk and may often not have adequate ventilation, an additional layer of protection against the virus. We continue to monitor federal action on this issue and will announce any additional changes to state policies as needed."

Many agencies have already publicly shared the status of their mask requirements in the wake of Monday's ruling in Florida, and KCBS Radio has reached out to those that haven't. Below is a list of agencies that have announced their policies moving forward.

This list will be updated as more agencies share information.

AC Transit announced on Tuesday afternoon that masks will be voluntary beginning on midnight at Wednesday.

The agency previously said shortly after Monday's ruling that masks would still be mandatory.

BART officials announced on Wednesday afternoon that "masks are now optional and strongly encouraged on BART," pending any future developments from the local, state or federal level. The agency's Board of Directors will consider a proposal to continue to require masks at its next meeting on April 28.

Following the initial ruling earlier this week, KGO and the San Francisco Chronicle reported on Monday and Tuesday, respectively, that BART police officers will no longer enforce the mask mandate.

Following guidance from the California Department of Public Health, Caltrain officials said on Wednesday that masks and face coverings were no longer required for riders. "While masks are no longer required, guests can and are strongly encouraged to continue wearing them," the agency tweeted.

Caltrain initially said on Tuesday that its mask mandate remained in place.

The central Contra Costa County bus line will no longer require masks on its service, a spokesperson told KCBS Radio. The spokesperson said the agency has updated its website to reflect the change.

Golden Gate Transit

Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District spokesperson Paolo Cosulich-Schwartz told KCBS Radio that, as of Tuesday, masks are encouraged but not required on Golden Gate buses and ferries. He added that the agency will continue to monitor federal, state, and local public health guidance and will updated its policies accordingly.

Water Emergency Transportation Agency Spokesperson Thomas Hall told KCBS Radio that masks will no longer be required beginning Thursday. "We ask that passengers be kind to fellow ferry riders regardless of their choice whether to wear a mask on board. Outdoor seating is available on every ferry," the statement said.

SFMTA officials on Wednesday announced that masking would no longer be required aboard the agency's "public transportation and in indoor public transportation hubs" as of 12:01 a.m. on Thursday.

The SFMTA initially said on Monday that it would continue requiring masks aboard its buses and trains.

SMART spokesperson Matt Stevens told KCBS Radio on Tuesday night that the agency stopped requiring masks for passengers on its platforms and in its vehicles on Tuesday morning, after the U.S. Transportation Security Administration said Monday night it would no longer enforce the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requirement following the federal court ruling.

The VTA announced on Wednesday that masks are no longer required on its vehicles. Officials, however, continue to recommend wearing masks.

As of late Wednesday, Marin Transit won't require face coverings or masks for transit passengers on buses or at stops. Instead, officials are "strongly recommending that riders wear face coverings while using transit."

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