Release Date: April 19, 2022
Media Hot Line: 713.739.4040

METRO Lifts Mask Requirement

Effective immediately, masks will be optional throughout the METRO system, including at rail stations, transit centers, bus stops and inside METRO facilities. The lifting of this requirement also applies to METRO employees.

This change comes after yesterday's court ruling on the federal mask mandate and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) decision to suspend enforcement while the Biden Administration reviews the federal judge's ruling.

METRO's removal of all signage and messaging requiring masks on the transit system is anticipated to take 24 to 48 hours. During this time, operators and MPD officers will no longer instruct customers to adhere to the requirement.

METRO encourages its customers to make decisions that are in their best interest. The Authority will continue its rigorous daily and midday cleaning schedule, paying special attention to surfaces frequently touched by the public and sanitizer dispensers are still available on all vehicles. New information will be provided as it becomes available. Visit METRO's Twitter and Facebook pages for timely updates. METRO also offers real-time information through its service alerts system.

Watch: Video of signs being removed.

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.