SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane Transit Authority (STA) announced Tuesday that effective immediately, masks will no longer be required on buses, Paratransit and Vanpool or in STA facilities.
The announcement comes as multiple major airlines, including Alaska and Delta, announced masks will now be optional for travelers.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a change to their policies regarding mandatory masking on Monday. That change stated that there is no entity requiring masks to be worn on public transportation or enforcing the prior regulations.
This change is the result of a court order from a federal judge in Florida, who overturned the national mask mandate on planes and other forms of public transportation.
Following the court order, masks will no longer be required for STA employees, riders of all STA buses and other transportation modes, or visitors to STA facilities. This change is effective immediately, but STA said masks are still welcome for anyone who chooses to continue wearing one.
Because this change is the result of a court order, STA said it is possible that this ruling will be appealed. Any changes will be communicated by STA as they arise.