RTA continues requiring face coverings following nationwide mandate

For Immediate Release

MEDIA CONTACT:  Jessica Olson (937) 425-8352, Communications Manager

(DAYTON, OHIO) … The Greater Dayton RTA will continue to require all customers and employees to wear a face covering aboard all vehicles and in all facilities in accordance with the new national order by President Joe Biden requiring masks on all public transportation systems, rail, and van, bus and motorcoach service providers to mitigate the risk of COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued the order requiring a face covering on all applicable public transit nationwide, effective February 1 at 11:59 p.m., as part of President Biden’s Executive Order 13998 Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel “to save lives and allow all Americans, including the millions of people employed in the transportation industry, to travel and work safely.”

The RTA has required customers and employees to wear a face covering while riding as well as inside its transit facilities since July 3, 2020 when the city of Dayton issued its own mandate requiring people to wear masks inside any public space, including inside businesses, while waiting in line, and when using all forms of public transportation, including all RTA buses and the transit centers.

This new nationwide mandate only reinforces what RTA feels is in the best interest of its customers and employees to work together to slow the spread of COVID-19 using best practices to safeguard the health of all those in our community, said RTA Deputy CEO Bob Ruzinsky.

Face coverings can be store-bought, homemade, scarves, or bandanas. They must fit securely and cover the nose and mouth. Ski masks and coverings that conceal the entire face unless for religious purposes will not be permitted, per the agency’s Code of Conduct. Customers are required to wear a face covering prior to boarding any RTA vehicle or entering any RTA facility. A limited supply of masks are available aboard RTA vehicles and at any transit center for those who do not have one.

RTA continues evaluating all aspects of its service and operations to keep employees and customers safe while providing an essential service to the community. Thousands of people depend on the RTA for transportation to jobs and life-saving medical appointments.

For more information on the CDC order, please refer to the Executive Order on Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel. Information on RTA’s response to COVID-19 and can be found at Covid-19.