BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) The federal mask mandate on planes and public transportation has been struck down, and after some confusion in Buffalo Tuesday morning, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced it will no longer require the mask mandate for public transit.
"In accordance with the TSA's recent decision that it will no longer enforce its security directives and emergency amendment requiring mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs, the NFTA will lift its mask requirements at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport and Niagara Falls International Airports and on NFTA Metro Bus and Rail. The NFTA will continue to follow the CDC recommendation that encourages people to wear masks in indoor public transportation settings at this time." That statement was issued by NFTA Director of Public Affairs, Helen Tederous, Tuesday morning.
The change is effective immediately.
The NFTA operates Buffalo Niagara International Airport as well as Niagara Falls International Airport. In addition, it runs public transit via Metro Bus and Metro Rail throughout Buffalo and Western New York.
It is a change from earlier Tuesday morning when the NFTA issued a statement saying the mask mandate was still in effect, pending a review.
It left many travelers in a state of confusion.
"We are still encouraging everyone to wear masks and be respectful of those who choose to wear a face covering," said Tederous.
She called the decision a difficult one, but one that they feel comfortable with. saying officials came to the decision after talking to passengers and riders and their counterparts at other upstate airports.
Airlines that are making masks optional include, Delta, Southwest, American, United, JetBlue, Spirit, and Frontier Airlines.
After two years with the mandate, Tederous said it is a complicated process to remove all of the signage, but they are working quickly to get that done.
