Worcester, Mass. - If you ride the bus in Worcester, a mask is no longer a required.

The Worcester Regional Transit Authority made the announcement Tuesday, saying masks are optional for their customers.

“Yeah, you should be able to take them off," one rider said. "You shouldn’t have to wear them.” 

What You Need To Know

  • WRTA riders now have the option to wear a mask. It is no longer mandatory
  • If sick or showing COVID-19 symptoms, commuters are asked to stay off the bus
  • The MBTA also announced they too would be removing the mandate for trains and other public transportation
  • The MBTA says they will continue their robust cleaning program in place

Riders have been masked up for nearly two years. Even when the city lifted its mask mandate, public transportation was among the sectors still having to enforce a federal mandate.

Face coverings were required on any vehicles and inside any WRTA facilities.

For commuters who use the bus regularly, Tuesday’s announcement came with mixed feelings.

When asked whether he’ll wear a mask on the bus, rider Jean Carpenter said, “I don’t know. Depends on how I feel.”

The WRTA is still urging riders to wear a mask should they experience COVID-19 symptoms or anything similar. If you’re sick, they ask you to stay off the bus.

Even with the mandate lifted, some are still planning on taking some precautions while using public transportation.

“Personally, I believe it’s an individual’s choice,” said another commuter. “Me personally, if there’s someone sick around, yeah, I think a mask is a good idea. But that goes for any kind of sickness. Not just COVID.”