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Release Date: March 3, 2021
Media Hot Line: 713.739.4040

Mask Mandate Remains in Effect for METRO Customers

Anyone on METRO vehicles or visiting METRO properties including rail stations, transit centers and bus stops will continue to be required to wear a mask.

METRO began encouraging the use of masks in April 2020.  The agency's Board of Directors approved a mask requirement in June of that year and just last month, a federal mask mandate was issued for all public transit. 

The federal mandate also requires masks be worn properly, fully covering the nose and mouth.  Plastic face shields are not considered masks. 

Exemptions are available in the following circumstances:

• A child under the age of two.
• A person with a disability who cannot wear a mask, or cannot safely wear a mask, because of the disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

For more information on the federal public health law click here.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is the region’s largest public transit provider, offering safe, clean, reliable, accessible and friendly transportation services. METRO’s transit network includes local bus, METRORail which includes the Red Line (Main Street and Northline), the Green Line (East End) and the Purple Line (Southeast), Park & Ride commuter buses, METROLift paratransit service, HOV/HOT lanes, Community Connector microtransit and Star Vanpool. In 2020, the Authority introduced the METRORapid Silver Line, the region’s first bus rapid transit service.  Bike & Ride programs and road improvement projects are also part of METRO’s commitment to the region.  Focused on investing in the region’s future mobility needs, the Authority developed the  METRONext Moving Forward Plan. METRO is also the first transit provider in region to pilot autonomous vehicle shuttle technology. 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.