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Release Date: June 21, 2020
Media Hot Line: 713.739.4040

METRO Seeks Board Approval for Health and Safety Rule Requiring Facial Coverings on System

On Thursday, June 25, METRO will seek approval from its Board of Directors to adopt a health and safety rule requiring all METRO riders, employees, contractors and visitors wear a face covering unless impracticable due to a medical condition.

If adopted by the Board, the rule would be consistent with Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo's signed order mandating that everyone over the age of 10 wear a face covering while in businesses or on commercial properties, including employees, visitors and customers.  That order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday, June 22 until 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, June 30.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, METRO has put up posters across the system reminding riders and everyone in the community to protect themselves and others by wearing face coverings.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has acknowledged face masks do provide a benefit in preventing the spread of the disease.

METRO has brochures available on buses and trains with CDC instructions on how to make your own face coverings, and subject to availability, METRO will provide a mask to customers needing one while riding the system or entering a METRO facility.

METRO continues to encourage riders to use public transit for only essential trips.  Connecting essential workers to essential jobs, and doing so safely, remains METRO's focus during these challenging times.  We will continue to share frequent updates with the community while providing this public service.  You can find more information on ridemetro.org on our COVID-19 Response page.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is the region’s largest public transit provider, offering safe, reliable and affordable transportation services about 370,000 times per day. Besides operating more than 1,200 buses on METRO’s network, METRORail's system includes the Red Line (Main Street and Northline), Green Line (East End) and Purple Line (Southeast). METRO’s services also include: STAR Vanpool, METROLift, HOV/HOT lanes, Bike & Ride program, Park & Ride, and road improvement projects. Learn more about METRO services at ridemetro.org where you will also find useful tools like the RideMETRO app where you can plan your trip and even pay your fare from your phone.