Mask wearing will no longer be enforced on Port Authority transit vehicles.
Port Authority announced the change shortly before 9 p.m. Monday. The agency confirmed that the requirement was lifted after a court ruled that TSA mask requirements could be dropped.
"I can confirm that because the TSA is no longer enforcing its directive as a result of the federal judge's decision in Florida, we will no longer be enforcing our requirement,” said spokesman Adam Brandolph in a message. The authority operates buses, the light rail system and the City of Pittsburgh’s inclines.
The federal judge in Florida voided the national mask mandate for airplanes and in other transportation settings, saying the mandate exceeds the statutory authority of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Federal officials last week had extended the mask mandate for commercial flights and in other transportation settings, including on buses, ferries and subways, until at least May 3.
A Biden administration official said Monday evening that the court decision means the CDC’s masking order is “not in effect at this time. Therefore, TSA will not enforce its Security Directives” requiring the face coverings.
Port Authority said it still welcomes individuals to wear masks.
The Washington Post contributed to this report.
First Published: April 19, 2022, 1:58 a.m.
