Amtrak to require passengers wear masks starting Monday

Amtrak announced on Thursday all passengers and front-line staff will be required to wear face masks at trains, stations and transit buses in order to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The measures will start to be applied on Monday and were part of measures being taken by the train operator to enhance health precautions across its services, according to a press release.

Exemptions on masks will be provided to passengers eating in designated areas or if they are sitting alone or with a travel companion in their own pair of seats, according to the statement. Small children who are not able to keep facial coverings on can also be exempted. 

“The safety of Amtrak’s customers and employees is our top priority and requiring a facial covering is one more way we can protect everyone,” Amtrak President and CEO Bill Flynn said in the statement. “Amtrak continues to operate as an essential service for those who must travel during this public health crisis. Our services will be even more critical as our nation recovers.”

The train operator also said it was implementing other measures, including capping bookings at 50 percent capacity, going cashless at stations and on trains, and promoting physical distancing.