As parts of Maryland, Virginia prepare to reopen, Elrich says it’s too soon. It will be up to bus drivers and subway station workers to enforce masks on public transportation, while taxi drivers will be allowed to refuse passengers who aren't wearing masks. (like what DC and Montgomery county are doing now) or … The cuts would involve both a reduction of train frequency of the commuter rail agency’s workforce; the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat reports other possible cuts could involve ending free onboard internet service, deferred maintenance, and cuts of contracts for lobbyists to pursue future state and federal grants. Greyhound riders will be in for a sweeping change come May 13 when the nation's largest bus line will require all customers to wear masks. Here’s what you need to know. Subway apologized after a store advertised it would give away free medical masks to customers who purchased two sandwiches. We continue to call on the federal government -- whether it be DOT, FAA, DHS, CDC -- to require masks for crew, frontline employees and all passengers." Board members voted to defer all the changes for at least six months. The U.S. Andrew Cuomo requiring face … He also said that essential workers with jobs at hospitals or other important centers that aren’t being served by Metrobus can use MetroAccess, which is the agency’s paratransit service. Chief Safety Officer Theresa Impastato said Metro has increased cleanings of all buses and rail cars each day after use by splitting its vehicles into groups that alternate days of service. Some masks will break. Doug Ducey will allow local jurisdictions to require face masks in public. does Fairfax county require people to wear masks when shopping at places like grocery stores? Metro staffers said they had been working with officials in the federal Office of Management and Budget, local governments and schools to come up with ways to keep passenger loads down. Metro’s coronavirus recovery plan shows full service not likely to resume until next spring. Metro board Chairman Paul C. Smedberg asked what would happen if Metro’s fare revenue losses next year were even greater than projections because of a possible second wave of coronavirus infections. Scorecard from a subway car on … Here's what shoppers need to know about face coverings. Has someone close to you died from covid-19. There is usually a man there has been managing the place for years and I trust him handling the food. Stations, she said, are being cleaned multiple times a day, especially high touch areas. People indicated they would be more likely to use public transit again if passengers were required to cover their faces, he said. At the same time, the agencies are trying to ramp up service for recovery efforts while running up huge deficits because of lost fare revenue. You nor I want the airlines shut down again. Share Shares Copy Link Copy {copyShortcut} to copy Link copied! Metro has learned from other agencies that have tried to police the rule, most notably in Philadelphia, where last month officers were recorded physically dragging a rider who wasn’t wearing a mask off a bus. Amtrak is the latest public transportation system to require that passengers wear masks in order to ride their rails. Get a weekly roundup of the industry news you need. In my opinion, you don’t need a mask with really good social distancing (staying at least six feet away from others) when you are outdoors. On days when riders do not see the MTA Chairman on their subway car if they need a mask, they can ask any station booth operator who will happily give them one. Starbucks said last week that it will require customers to wear facial coverings or masks in all of its 9,000 company-owned US stores beginning Wednesday. By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, Transportation reporter focusing on national transit and Metro, the D.C.-area public transportation system. The MTA received $3.7 billion in funding help from the coronavirus relief act passed in March. The transit agency has no plans to restore full service, including peak-hour frequencies, until next spring, making its call based on customer surveys and meetings with federal workforce officials, business leaders and leaders in the District, Maryland and Virginia. On the one hand is the view shared by Dr. William Schaffner, a professor in Vanderbilt University’s Division of Infectious Diseases, who says that medical masks commonly worn by members of the public do no… The agency is currently operating 120,000 passenger trips daily, even with bus ridership down more than 70 percent compared to pre-pandemic levels. Can employers require employees to wear face masks? Demand for MetroAccess, which is used to provide service for the elderly and people with disabilities, is down, making drivers available to fill transit service gaps. As COVID-19 continues to spread globally, it has become clear there are two schools of thought in regards to face masks for the public. Several Arizona cities are already making plans.Some Arizona mayors had been planning to require face coverings with or without the governor’s blessing. Gov. Wiedefeld said Metro is trying to determine if the agency has enough face masks in stock for transit officers to carry and provide to passengers if clashes over the policy arise. The pandemic’s lessons are clear and simple. That’s a reversal of his previous rule barring local mandates. Share your story: Has someone close to you died from covid-19? Equipped restaurant employees with masks, installing plexiglass shields at registers, and implemented social distancing guidelines for guests and team members. On the one hand, private businesses must respect human rights laws, but they otherwise have the freedom, in many cases, to choose with whom they do business. Many people are wearing masks when/where they don’t need to, most likely because it makes them feel better, not that it’s beneficial in any way. Anyone outside in public in New York will be required to wear a mask or some kind of face covering under a new executive order from Gov. This subway does not require their employees to wear masks...or gloves to prepare your food. No ride': Uber will require drivers and passengers to wear face masks indefinitely. The MTA is currently seeing declines of up to 98% in fare revenue and 65% in toll income. Wiedefeld said much of what’s ahead is unknown, which is why he wants the board to review the financial state of the transit agency on at least a monthly basis. Face coverings can be homemade, or simply be a … A face covering is a well-secured cloth covering or disposable mask that covers your nose and mouth. Among the plans now on hold are later Metro operating hours, larger SmarTrip pass discounts and a $2 flat weekend rail fare. ... such as the subway, ferry, bus, taxis and car services. The range of estimates reflects two models — one anticipating the coronavirus crisis lasts for six months, and one in which the virus disruption continues for 12 months. Wearing a mask is the law, and it’s the right thing to do. Kohl’s. “We have done some thinking around that but haven’t done anything specific to that,” Wiedefeld responded. Walmart will require customers at all of its US stores to wear masks beginning next week, becoming the largest retailer to mandate facial coverings as coronavirus cases continue to rise. Their was a woman there and I asked if there was a mask required, she said yes , so I … More Thursday morning rail news: — New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority will require subway, commuter rail, and bus passengers to wear face masks as of Friday, the New York Post reports.The move reflects an executive order issued Wednesday by Gov. MTA Chairman Patrick J. Foye said in a statement that “wearing masks and other face coverings in public will help stop the spread and ultimately save lives.” Face masks are being required by an increasing number of transit agencies; Capital Metro in Austin, Texas, has also begun requiring masks in response to an order by the city. — New York transit advocacy group TransitCenter says in a new report that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority will need another $4.4 billion to $8 billion in aid over the next 12 months to offset losses in fares, tolls, dedicated tax revenue, and increased costs such as disinfecting equipment. Mapping the spread: Known deaths and cases in the region | U.S. map, Restrictions and FAQ: D.C. | Virginia | Maryland, Who we’ve lost: Telling the stories of the victims of covid-19. A year of … Operators, too, are rotating in two groups to decrease the impact a possible outbreak could have on a department or division. Instead, the budget will be reshaped to help the agency survive and provide mostly limited but essential service until next spring, when the transit agency believes the public health crisis could end. The MTA started enforcing its new mask policy on trains and buses Monday, meaning not wearing a face covering is now punishable with a $50 fine. Sign up for daily news delivered to your inbox: Morning (8 a.m.) | Afternoon (4 p.m.). Metro to require all passengers to wear masks beginning Monday A Metro passenger wears a surgical mask on the Red Line. About mask requirements. Please do not buy N95 respirator masks or other medical face masks, unless required for your job. New York to require all people to wear masks when in public. If "Gary" does not update the website and blast emails, passengers won't know. Gina Raimondo's executive order, which requires face coverings for people over age 2 in retail outlets, and in other public spaces unless they “can easily, continuously, and measurably maintain at least 6 feet of distance from other people." “We only get one chance at a safe re-opening.”. Metro’s plans between now and then involve running enough trains and buses to help facilitate appropriate social distancing. A customer survey on which Metro has based some of it decisions doesn’t include those who take Metrobus only, officials said. “It’s my hope that [Metro] can ensure dedicated service while keeping employees and riders safe, improve frequency and offer real-time data for essential trips.”. Instead, Metro plans to go into a nearly year-long phased-in recovery mode that won’t begin to really ramp up until fall, when routes, frequency and hours could expand as D.C. Public Schools reopen. HOUSTON – No mask, no service: that is the policy at Trudy’s Hallmark store off Memorial Drive in Houston. A video that went viral Friday shows what appeared to be four police officers, backed by about six more, forcibly pulling a man not wearing a face covering off of a SEPTA bus. News Wire Digest second section for April 16: Report says MTA needs up to $8 billion in aid because of virus losses; California's SMART contemplates $6 million in cuts. Despite a fare revenue loss of $210 million dollars this fiscal year and a projected $421 million loss next year, Metro said it is able to close out this year’s budget and survive next year, thanks to $767 million it received in federal aid from the Cares Act signed into law in March. Masks with one-way exhalation valves or vents are not recommended. Board member Stephanie Gidigbi, who represents the District, said she has heard from riders who say they are either on packed buses or have difficulty catching a ride because of 20- and 30-minute waits. Costco began requiring its … “We have been evaluating noncontact temperature monitoring,” Impastato said. Md. The bottom line. Even so, board members said they didn’t know how Metro could create adequate buffers between passengers on buses, which riders say are already overcrowded on busy routes. Trains staffers reserve the right to edit or delete any comments. “Bus service is an essential lifeline for those who are dependent on public transit,” Gidigbi said. Can employers require employees to wear face masks? “This is necessary to keep transit workers and riders safe!” tweeted Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689, which represents most of Metro’s workers. And because masks are one of the most effective ways to stop COVID-19 spread, we decided to build this! Metro Chief Operating Officer Joseph Leader said the agency plans to redistribute buses from less frequently used routes to busier ones, which should help alleviate crowding and long waits. Exclusive: MTA Will Now Require Face Masks Throughout Transit System By Spectrum News Staff New York City PUBLISHED 10:00 AM ET Aug. … “What if the revenue pictures or forecast is actually worse in the fall?” he asked. He said he is hoping customers take responsibility for themselves and consider the health of others. Several wore the masks incorrectly, either failing to cover their noses or mouths. Walmart, Home Depot, Kroger and other major chains have announced new rules for customers to wear masks at all US stores as the coronavirus spreads. Pete Ricketts has told local government officials that they won't get federal coronavirus relief funding if they require individuals to wear face masks in government buildings. People should wear masks that cover both the mouth and nose when waiting or, traveling on, or departing from public conveyances. You're probably already familiar with standing in lines … “We will encourage it,” Wiedefeld said of the policy. The revised budget also includes increased spending on cleaning and disinfecting, with reduced costs for other supplies. The viral video drew wide condemnation and prompted the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority to revoke the policy. The requirement, announced to the transit agency’s board, follows rules set by leaders in the District and Maryland. Masks have been mandatory since May 8 under Gov. Waiting in line spaced out. Wearing a face mask outdoors in New Jersey will now be required by law, Gov. This is just irresponsible. This year, give a holiday gift that evokes your favorite city or state. People wearing masks on a subway in Seoul, South Korea amid the COVID-19 pandemic, pictured March 6, 2020. — New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority will require subway, commuter rail, and bus passengers to wear face masks as of Friday, the New York Post reports. Subway confirmed in an email that the company is sourcing masks for franchisees and workers. The move reflects an executive order issued Wednesday by Gov. Long Island Rail Road trains meet at Divide interlocking in Hicksville, N.Y., in August 2019. … The U.S. Share Shares Copy Link Copy {copyShortcut} to copy Link copied! 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Are layovers riskier than long-haul flights during the pandemic? They hope to get input from these mostly lower-income riders through a round of mailers. Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld said bus and train operators asked for the requirement, as did customers on recent surveys. Arizona: Masks are only required for customers and employees at barbers and cosmetologists but only recommended for other situations. We strongly recommend you wear a face covering as much as possible when in a shared ... you do not need to wear a face covering as long as you maintain at least 6 There aren’t any resources on the internet that display which countries require masks and which countries recommend masks. Here’s what you need to know. Prince George's County to require face masks to enter stores, ride TheBus. This executive order does not require servers and wait staff to stay 6 feet away from customers.” So, no, the server, the hostess, the drive-thru cashier or server is not required to wear it. By Nathaniel Weixel - 04/15/20 02:04 PM EDT . Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has released guidance that indicates that an employer may require employees to wear PPE, such as a face mask, gloves, or gowns, to reduce transmission.. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends individuals wear cloth face masks in public, and … People should also wear masks at an airport, bus or ferry terminal, train or subway station, seaport, or similar area that provides transportation. Ask at a subway station booth, or ask a LIRR or … The claim can be found in a post (archived here) on Facebook from July 13, 2020, which read: A 10-cent increase in the base rail fare had also been scheduled to start July 1. The mask policy is just one way Metro and other transit agencies are changing the way they do business as they struggle to continue to provide service while protecting their employees and the traveling public. The first state to introduce such a mandate, … According to the company’s website, they “ask customers and team members to wear masks," but are not requiring usage at this time. Learn more: Read Rhode Island's mask order. Delta Air Lines will require customers to wear masks, and says it will provide masks if passengers don't have them. The mask policy will not be enforced with criminal sanctions, Wiedefeld said. Went by Subway a couple of times today , no customers either time, decided to buy a couple of footlongs to just help them out. Transit agencies have generally taken a gentle approach to enforcing mask wearing requirements in the tri-state region, preferring to hand an offender a free mask and a gentle reminder than a summons. The purpose of masks is to … Beginning Monday, all Metro and Metrobus riders will be required to wear masks or face coverings to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, the agency’s chief safety officer said Thursday. There's also no need to wear a mask because of air pollution. Board members were given a detailed look at Metro’s pandemic recovery plan as well as how it plans to deal with hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue losses to close out this fiscal year and continued deficits running into next year. A project in Mali delivers delight — and ... Chancellor says parents should plan for D.C. schools to reopen in February. Masks are a "no brainer". Northam confirms Northern Virginia likely to be excluded from initial reopening. By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine. In a June 30 update of a press statement, the Texas grocery chain said that 85 percent of its stores are located in communities that have implemented local mask requirements, adding, “In areas that do not have a local ordinance in place, H-E-B stores will require the use of masks or facial coverings,” with … Until now, the agency had only recommended that riders wear face coverings. 576 passes $1 million mark, Connecticut approves funding for commuter coaches, San Diego scraps plans for transit ballot initiative, KCS first-quarter gains overshadowed by virus uncertainty, CSX joins in Operation Gratitude effort for medical workers. If you don’t have a mask, we’ll give you a free one. Please keep your feedback on-topic and respectful. To do so Metro estimated that it needs to keep passenger trips limited to 85,000 a day. PLEASE PLEASE I need to get back on the road again. The LIRR and other MTA operators will require passengers to wear face masks beginning Friday. Tomlinson isn’t sure local transit agencies have the legal authority to require masks. Does Save A Lot Require masks? They will take care of the rest. Prince George's County to require face masks to enter stores, ride TheBus. — Sonona-Marin Area Rail Transit will look to cut $6 million from its budget by this summer in response to the defeat of a March ballot initiative that would have funded the agency through 2059 as well as the revenue hit from the COVID-19 outbreak. Businesses can require consumers to wear shirts, pants and shoes – but what about masks? Face masks are bound to become an inescapable sight in New York after ... such as on a bus or subway, ... Maryland also announced on Wednesday that it would require people to wear masks … More Thursday morning rail news: Even if they do, he worries about the burden on passengers if agencies require masks but can’t supply them. Until this week, Toronto and the TTC had resisted calls to make masks mandatory for riders, even as Ottawa, Brampton, and Mississauga and other municipalities announced plans to do so. By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our, Get our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox, Digest: Amtrak will pay $2.25 million, fix stations to settle ADA discrimination claims, Digest: CP announces plans for Vancouver-area transload, logistics facility, Digest: Burlington, Iowa, council to help fund short line relocation project, Digest: Five MTA employees charged in massive overtime fraud scheme, CSX says Pan Am acquisition targets growth, Digest: Senate virus relief bill would provide $15 billion for transit, $1 billion for Amtrak, Canadian Pacific expects further intermodal growth from Port of Saint John, Norfolk Southern grabs the carload visibility bull by the horns. Protect your people and your customers! Generally, most states now require residents to wear face masks or coverings while in shops, grocery stores, and shopping malls, as …