Masks no longer mandatory on Intercity Transit buses and other vehicles

Intercity Transit, Thurston County’s primary public transit agency, announced Tuesday that people will no longer be required to wear masks on buses or other vehicles or in its facilities.

The news comes after the U.S. Transportation Security Administration announced the end of the mask mandate on the federal level.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings, according to the release from Intercity Transit.

IT posted on its website that it will continue to provide masks and hand sanitizer on rides for those who want to use them. It also will continue enhanced cleaning protocols used during the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to have passengers board the bus using the rear door, unless a ramp or other assistance is needed.

The agency operates 21 bus routes and van programs as well as door-to-door service for people with disabilities and other programs.

This story was originally published April 19, 2022 at 1:35 PM.

Ty Vinson

The Olympian

360-357-0201

Ty Vinson covers the City of Olympia and keeps tabs on Tumwater and other communities in Thurston County. He joined The Olympian in 2021. Before that, he earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism at Indiana University. In college, he worked as an intern at the Northwest Indiana Times, the Oregonian and the Arizona Republic as a Pulliam Fellow. Support my work with a digital subscription