MEDIA ALERT
4/19/2022
Media Contact:
Marie Cummins |MCummins@bft.org | 509.318.3164
Effective Immediately - Masks Now Optional on All
Ben Franklin Transit Vehicles and Properties
(Richland, WA) Effective April 19, 2022, Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) employees and riders may choose whether to wear a mask while riding.
BFT leadership made this decision after a federal judge in Florida ruled that the 14-month-old directive was unlawful. The court's decision meant the public transportation masking order is no longer in effect. Accordingly, TSA will no longer enforce its Security Directives and Emergency Amendment requiring mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs.
The CDC is still recommending that people continue to wear masks in indoor public transportation settings. To accommodate, BFT will continue to provide free masks in their vehicles for those who prefer to wear one.